The Anti-Corruption Court has remanded three businessmen to Luzira Prison over allegations of evading taxes amounting to four million Ugandan shillings, in the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)’s continued crackdown on tax-related fraud.
The accused, Kanakulya, Tayebwa, and Kabetayo were arraigned before the court on Thursday, April 17, 2025, where they faced multiple charges related to customs duty evasion and fraudulent documentation. The trio, who appeared visibly tense in the courtroom, were formally charged with fraudulent evasion of customs duty amounting to UGX 4,000,000, according to court records and confirmation from the URA.
In separate counts, one of the accused, Kabetayo, was charged with making a false declaration in a bid to avoid paying the correct amount of taxes on imported goods. His co-accused, Tayebwa, was similarly charged with causing a false document to be made, an offence tied to customs fraud under Ugandan tax laws.
All three suspects were remanded to Luzira Prison pending further proceedings. The court set May 15, 2025, as the date for their next appearance, when a bail hearing is expected to take place. If convicted, each of the accused faces a possible maximum sentence of up to three years in prison.
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) which brought the matter to court, emphasized that the charges reflect its renewed vigilance in enforcing compliance and combating fraud that undermines national revenue collection. URA officials, while addressing the press, reiterated their zero-tolerance approach to any form of tax evasion and urged members of the business community to adhere strictly to legal procedures when declaring goods at customs.
The case has attracted public interest as it highlights ongoing efforts by government institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Court and URA to hold accountable those who attempt to defraud the country through false documentation and misdeclaration. Authorities have warned that the prosecution of these offences will be pursued rigorously, regardless of the sums involved.