KAMPALA — The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has displayed $60,000 (about Shs225 million) allegedly recovered in a bribery investigation involving Geoffrey Ssozi Kawere, the authority’s Manager for External Operations Customs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
URA Public and Corporate Affairs Manager Robert Kalumba presented the cash to journalists in Kampala on Monday as the authority confirmed that legal and disciplinary proceedings against Kawere are ongoing.
According to URA, the money was allegedly solicited and received as a bribe in connection with customs clearing operations along a regional trade corridor. The investigation forms part of the authority’s efforts to detect corruption and operational compromises within its customs processes.
Kawere, who has served with URA for more than a decade, has reportedly denied that the money was a bribe, describing it instead as a friendly gift or restaurant takeaway and alleging that he was set up.
A clearing agent linked to the case was also arrested and is reportedly cooperating with investigators.
The authority’s decision to publicly display the money comes as URA reiterates its zero-tolerance approach to corruption among its employees and says it is strengthening internal controls to protect government revenue and prevent illicit trade.
The alleged transaction has drawn attention because Kawere occupies a managerial position in customs operations, where officials interact with importers, exporters and clearing agents and play a key role in the assessment and collection of duties and taxes.
URA said the case has been referred to the legal process. Kawere remains presumed innocent unless and until a court finds him guilty.
The $60,000 was displayed as an exhibit in the investigation, and its presentation does not, by itself, establish that a criminal offence was committed. The prosecution will have to prove the allegations against the accused in court.
The case also comes amid broader efforts by URA to combat corruption within customs operations, particularly along regional trade routes where customs decisions can have significant implications for businesses and government revenue.
URA said it remains committed to strengthening accountability and ensuring that customs processes are conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.
