URA deploys speed boats to fight lake smuggling
Uganda Revenue Authority deployed speedboats to combat smuggling across lakes and waterways that threaten local commerce. Commissioner General John Musinguzi said illegal trade drains government revenue needed for national development while harming legitimate businesses. The vessels will monitor Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, and the River Nile, where smugglers operate across porous borders.
The agency runs five marine stations at Butiaba, Kasensero, Hama, Nsonga and Sigulu that track illegal movements on major water bodies. New patrol zones cover Kiyindi Landing Site near Buikwe and Mukono, northern River Nile corridors and western Lake Albert areas. Officials said faster boats allow quick responses to stop smugglers who previously escaped detection on open water.
Authorities asked citizens to report suspicious activities to protect economic stability and fair trade conditions. The expanded marine operations aim to secure revenue collection and shield domestic industries from unfair competition. Community cooperation remains essential for enforcement success across Uganda’s extensive waterway network.
