Supermatch scammers nabbed: URA foils $24,000 cigarette fraud

Kampala | The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has arrested two men, Frank Mugisha and Muhumuza George, for orchestrating a sophisticated Super Match cigarette export scam that defrauded a Congolese businessman of over shs36 million (approximately USD 24,000).

According to URA, the duo allegedly manipulated customs documentation, declared non-existent goods, and used false pretenses to swindle their victim, Masereka Musavuli.

The scam involved a supposed consignment of 15,000 cartons of “Super Match” cigarettes, allegedly intercepted by URA while en route from Kenya.

Masereka, seeking to export the cigarettes to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was led to believe the stock was held at URA’s Nakawa headquarters. While shown photographs and allowed to view sacks outside the warehouse, he was denied entry until documentation was “completed.”

URA investigators say the scammers even issued expired and new Payment Reference Numbers to Masereka for shs36,880,000, which he paid via DT Bank on 6 May 2025. Additional facilitation fees of USD 15,000 were also claimed by Frank Mugisha.

The victim’s truck, loaded with packaging materials for the alleged cigarettes, was impounded at URA Nakawa HQ, and the consignment was never delivered.

Investigators confirmed that the cigarettes never existed and that the export entry was fabricated solely to mislead the investor. “Frank and Muhumuza do not own any Super Match cigarettes in the URA warehouse,” officials stated.

Ag. Manager Intelligence Alfred Kyamanywa warned the public, emphasizing that URA does not sell impounded or contraband goods.

“Customs Enforcement operations often involve seizing contraband cigarettes, including Super Match and Oris, but these are disposed of in accordance with the law, not sold,” he said.

URA Commissioner General John R. Musinguzi condemned the scam and called on the public to remain vigilant.

“Be wary of anyone claiming there are goods at URA for sale. Report such persons to the police or your nearest URA office. We act decisively to protect innocent business people,” he said.

A case file (GEF 145/2025) has been opened for further investigation as URA promises to clamp down on fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting investors.