The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has intercepted a significant consignment of skin-bleaching creams laced with hydroquinone mercury, a toxic chemical associated with cancer. The smuggled products were cleverly hidden in banana fibres and crates of matooke (bananas) in an attempt to evade detection.
URA’s enforcement team, acting on intelligence, carried out two successful operations in Mpodwe, seizing the illicit creams in Bunyaruguru Town on February 7, 2025, and at Katunguru on February 11, 2025.
The confiscated brands include Cocopulp Cream, Caro Light Cream, and Maxi-Clair Cream, all of which pose severe health risks due to their banned chemical composition.
The URA has reiterated its commitment to protecting Ugandans from harmful and counterfeit products. The seized creams will be disposed of in accordance with the East African Customs Management Act (EACMA) of 2004.
This is not the first time the URA has taken action against contraband. In August 2024, the tax body destroyed smuggled goods worth over Shs1 billion, and in December 2024, it incinerated 36.64 tonnes of illicit cigarettes valued at Shs1,684,107,271.
Moses Kyomuhendo, the Manager of Customs Enforcement for the Central Region, warned that smuggled products, often sold at lower prices, are not only undermining local businesses but also endangering public health.
“Many of these creams contain harmful substances that have long been banned due to their severe side effects, including the risk of cancer. Smugglers are taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers to make quick money,” Kyomuhendo said.
To counter the persistent smuggling of contraband goods, URA has intensified its surveillance efforts. The authority is employing Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technology at border points and deploying field intelligence enforcement teams to track illegal imports.
URA is also scaling up public awareness on tax compliance and the dangers of smuggled goods to safeguard both consumers and the economy.
