URA’s Advanced X-ray Scanners Uncover Firearm in Baggage at Elegu
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) intercepted a pistol hidden in baggage at the Elegu One-Stop Border Post on the Uganda–South Sudan border. The weapon was found using advanced NII X-ray scanners and led to the arrest of Heba Youssef Taleldin Mamoud. The incident underscores the effectiveness of URA’s Non-Intrusive Inspection technology in enhancing border security.
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has intercepted a pistol concealed in baggage at the Elegu One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) on the Uganda–South Sudan border.
David Mugarra, URA Supervisor for NII Field Operations, reported that the concealed pistol was discovered in baggage belonging to Heba Youssef Taleldin Mamoud, 46 years old.
“On July 8, 2024, an event at the Elegu Border between Uganda and South Sudan captivated authorities as Heba was apprehended while entering Uganda with a concealed pistol,” Mugarra explained.
URA Supervisor for NII CCTV Surveillance, SP Moses Sonko, stated that URA officials instructed Heba to place her baggage into the CT X-ray scanner, which produced a detailed 3D X-ray image exposing the hidden weapon entwined in her belongings.
The individual was arrested and handed over to the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) for further investigations.
Recently, NII at Elegu uncovered hidden ammunition on another individual attempting to cross into Uganda from South Sudan.
These incidents highlight the pivotal role of URA’s Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technology, which uses advanced X-ray scanners to scrutinize large volumes of cargo without the need for physical inspection.
By leveraging these scanners, URA can expedite cargo processing while swiftly identifying concealed threats such as firearms and illicit substances.
In the fiscal year 2023/24, interventions facilitated by NII equipment led to the recovery of more than UGX 218 billion through the detection of concealed, undeclared, and falsely declared dutiable goods.
Equipped with Radiation Portal Monitors, the NII equipment plays a crucial role in fortifying Uganda’s defense against illicit radiation sources attempting to infiltrate national borders.
These developments illustrate how advanced technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also plays a pivotal role in safeguarding national interests and securing borders against emerging threats.
