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- The URA, Uganda Traffic Police, and the Military launched a two-week operation to verify and register vehicles with irregularities
- The operation targeted foreign-registered vehicles, those with tax-exempt red plates, and vehicles with duplicate or forged number plates
- Over 750 vehicles were inspected, with 125 vehicles impounded and penalties of UGX 129,200,000 collected
Acting on intelligence, checkpoints were set up around Kampala's suburbs. Each checkpoint had a team of five officers tasked with verifying vehicle registrations against URA's E-TAX system and recording driver information.
Over 750 vehicles were inspected during the operation. John Olowo, an enforcement officer, reported that 125 vehicles were impounded. Of these, 78 were foreign-registered and 47 had red plates, suggesting misuse of tax exemptions.
Olowo explained that many foreign-registered vehicles belong to Ugandans or foreigners with permanent Ugandan residency, particularly from South Sudan. Most owners were reportedly willing to register their vehicles in Uganda, a process URA supports.
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The operation yielded some immediate results. URA collected UGX 129,200,000 (USD 34,000) in penalties, and 13 vehicles were sent to the customs warehouse for tax payment and registration. The entire exercise is projected to generate over UGX 500,000,000 in revenue.
Unauthorized vehicles reduce URA's revenue collection
Ibrahim Bbossa, URA Spokesperson, highlighted the importance of this operation. Unauthorized vehicles reduce URA's revenue collection, impacting service delivery. He emphasized URA's commitment to curbing this practice and ensuring everyone contributes their fair share.
Bbossa urged owners of foreign-registered vehicles to comply with East African Community (EAC) customs procedures for importing such vehicles. Alternatively, they can follow the registration process and acquire Ugandan number plates.