The burned items include the banned harmful cosmetics; Mekako Soap, Caro Light, Clair Plus among others which contain a skin-lightening chemical.

The dangerous cosmetics also contain mercury which is hazardous to humans and can cause damage to the brain, lungs and kidneys.

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A total of 33, 650 kilograms of banned cosmetics worth over sh621m and 33,650 kilograms of Mekako soap containing Mercury.

About 21,740km of smuggled cigarettes worth over UGX1bn was burned in a move intended to protect consumers from harmful products, according to URA.

The authority added that curbing smuggling helps to protect local manufacturers and those who comply with its tax regulation.

President on skin bleaching

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has championed against the use of bleaching creams.

Last month, he urged women to "stop bleaching" and let their "skin colour remain as it was created by God".

"Bleaching will cause you a lot of trouble," he said.

In 2017, Ghana banned the importation of skin bleaching creams due to health linked issues, including skin cancer.