The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has initiated a two-week joint operation with the Uganda Traffic Police and the Military, targeting foreign-registered motor vehicles with red plates, duplicate number plates, and forged ones.
Following intelligence reports, numerous checkpoints have been established around the suburbs of Kampala. Each location is manned by five officers to ensure the operations are carried out smoothly.
During last week’s operation, over 750 vehicles were verified against their profiles in URA systems such as E-TAX, with relevant information recorded from the drivers.
John Olowo, one of the enforcement officers, reported that a total of 125 motor vehicles were impounded. Of these, 78 were foreign-registered while 47 had red number plates, indicating they were abusing duty-free exemptions.
“Most foreign-registered motor vehicles are owned by Ugandans, while others are owned by foreigners whose permanent residence is in Uganda, especially South Sudanese,” Olowo explained.
Currently, the owners of the intercepted vehicles are willing to register their vehicles in Uganda, an idea supported by the URA.
In terms of penalties, Shs129,200,000 ($34,000) has been collected so far, and 13 vehicles have been forwarded to the customs warehouse to pay taxes and register. The entire exercise is projected to generate more than Shs500 million.
Ibrahim Bbossa, the URA Spokesperson, noted that URA expects to collect more revenue this financial year, and the continuous operation of unauthorized vehicles on the road affects the taxes URA collects for improved service delivery.
He also added that the authority is committed to eradicating this issue to ensure that every Ugandan pays their fair share of revenue.
“I urge persons with foreign-registered number plates to adhere to the EAC customs processes and legislation for importing foreign-registered vehicles or follow the registration process and acquire Ugandan number plates,” Bbossa emphasized.
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