URA finalises transition of motor vehicle registration to new management

The transition began with the transfer of post-registration services including change of ownership, alterations, deregistration, duplicate plates and registration books. The final stage will be concluded including the first registration processing after MoWT acquires a new Motor Vehicle Registration System (MVRS).

During the meeting between the Commissioner General of URA, John Musinguzi, and officials from the Ministry, it was revealed that the new MVRS would be ready beginning of the next financial year. URA will hand over first-time registration and registration and licensing of foreign registered vehicles (temporary imports in TEVIES).

The new registration system will also capture vehicles coming into the country before the declaration in Asycuda. However, URA shall remain in charge of the management of the revenue processes, which means it will continue to collect Non-Tax Revenue from the MVRS.

The MoWT will also be responsible for integrations with the motor vehicle database that URA has provided to various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, including the Insurance Regulatory Authority, Uganda Police and Uganda Registration Services Bureau.

Government transport intelligence plans

This move is in alignment with the government's plan to implement and operate an Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS). The system, which was provided by Joint Stock Company-Global Security, requires the issuance of new digital plates to enable tracking of vehicles and motorcycles to combat crime facilitated by the use of vehicles.

MoWT has put in place regulations to oversee the implementation, namely, car owners applying for digital plates with tracking devices to replace old ones, new number series for each vehicle category and new number series for each vehicle category for each Government agency.

To achieve this, a centralised vehicle register will be available and sensors will be inbuilt into the new registration plates.

URA sighs in relief

URA spokesperson Ibrahim Bbossa said that this centralised administration will improve service delivery for the public and also help them streamline tax systems better.

“It comes at a time when we are streamlining services as URA by leveraging on technology to simplify processes and user experience hence offering better service delivery to our clients; for us, that is a win,” he said.

Car owners will be informed of the changes brought on by this transition as part of URA’s Taxpayer education programs.