A 53-year-old soldier attached to the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has been arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala, where he faced allegations of unlawfully possessing prohibited goods valued at sh15.8m.
Henry Nguma Edemachu, who resides in Minyako, Arua district, appeared before Principal Magistrate Christopher Opit on Wednesday. The court heard that the accused faces two separate counts of possessing prohibited goods, an offence that contravenes Section 200(d)(i) of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004.
According to the prosecution, Edemachu is accused of being found with a consignment of cigarettes that had not been cleared through the proper customs channels. The charge sheet indicates that the alleged offences were committed on April 4, 2026, in Pakwach district, a key transit point for goods moving between Uganda and neighbouring South Sudan.
The state further alleges that the accused carried out the act alongside other individuals who remain at large. Investigators are reportedly still pursuing the suspects who allegedly fled when the consignment was intercepted.
Accused Pleads Not Guilty
When the charges were read out to him, Edemachu denied both counts. The magistrate did not enter a plea of guilty, and the matter was set for further mention as investigations continue.
The case has drawn attention to the ongoing challenge of illicit trade along Uganda's porous borders. Customs officials have repeatedly flagged the smuggling of cigarettes and other consumer goods as a significant loss to government revenue. Under the EAC Customs Management Act, possession of prohibited goods carries penalties that may include fines, forfeiture of the goods, or imprisonment upon conviction.
Edemachu's presence in a civilian court highlights the growing scrutiny of security personnel accused of involvement in cross-border smuggling networks. The UPDF has in the past pledged to discipline officers found on the wrong side of the law.
What Happens Next
The accused was remanded until the next court session, when the prosecution is expected to present more evidence. Legal analysts say the case could hinge on whether investigators can link the consignment directly to the soldier and establish that he knew the goods were prohibited.
The Anti-Corruption Court has handled a number of similar cases in recent years, reflecting a broader push by authorities to crack down on contraband trade. However, convictions have often been slowed by lengthy investigations and the disappearance of key witnesses.
For now, Edemachu maintains his innocence. The court has directed that he be held in custody as the state assembles its case. The next hearing is expected to shed more light on the circumstances that led to the interception of the sh15.8m cigarette consignment in Pakwach.
Hiascope will continue to follow the proceedings and provide updates as the case develops.
