Two individuals, including a customs officer from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and a clearing agent, were apprehended at Entebbe International Airport on Saturday in connection with a significant gold smuggling operation. The suspects were reportedly found in possession of 50 kilograms of gold, believed to be part of a broader illicit trade network.
Preliminary investigations suggest the smuggling ring could be linked to syndicates that transport gold from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for unauthorized export, particularly to the United States. The arrests, which followed an extended surveillance operation, have sparked hopes of exposing larger criminal networks.
Robert Ssenyondo, head of the minerals police protection unit, confirmed the arrests and revealed that the consignment was confiscated. He added that the suspects would be arraigned in the Entebbe Chief Magistrate’s Court for prosecution.
This case highlights the persistent problem of gold smuggling in Uganda, a country that has increasingly relied on the precious metal to fuel its export trade. Over the past decade, gold has transformed into Uganda’s most valuable export commodity, now accounting for over 42 percent of the nation’s export revenue.
Gold’s significance has grown dramatically. According to Bank of Uganda data, the country’s gold exports surged from $25 million in 2014 to $3.09 billion in 2024. This explosive growth represents an increase of $3.06 billion over a decade.
In the early 2010s, gold played a relatively minor role in Uganda’s export portfolio, contributing less than one percent to export earnings. Traditional commodities such as coffee, cotton, tea, and fish dominated Uganda’s non-coffee export sector. By contrast, gold now overshadows these exports, collectively contributing almost as much as all other non-coffee export earnings combined.
Uganda’s reliance on gold imports, particularly from neighboring countries like Tanzania, has also surged. In just one year, the value of gold imports from Tanzania grew dramatically from $450.46 million in mid-2023 to $1.77 billion by mid-2024.
This growing dependence on gold imports, combined with increased smuggling activities, underscores the challenges Uganda faces in managing its lucrative mineral trade. Authorities are under pressure to curb illegal activities and ensure compliance with international trade regulations.
The arrests at Entebbe Airport mark a significant step in addressing these issues, as investigators seek to uncover the full extent of the smuggling network.