Uganda Revenue Authority’s Team One, in collaboration with Uganda Traffic Police and the Military, launched a decisive two-week-long operation targeting various infractions within the realm of motor vehicle regulation.

The operation, initiated in response to intelligence reports, concentrated on foreign-registered vehicles, red-plated (tax-exempt) vehicles, as well as those sporting duplicate or forged number plates.

Deploying several checkpoints strategically across Kampala’s suburbs, each manned by five vigilant officers, the operation aimed at ensuring seamless execution.

With a meticulous approach, more than 750 vehicles underwent thorough verification against URA systems such as E-TAX. Pertinent information was meticulously recorded from drivers to ascertain compliance.

John Olowo, an enforcement officer integral to the operation, disclosed staggering figures. Out of the vehicles scrutinized, a significant 125 were impounded.

Among these, 78 bore foreign registrations, while 47 displayed red number plates, indicative of abuse of duty-free privileges.

“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.

For now, the owners of the intercepted vehicles are willing to have their vehicles registered in Uganda, an idea URA is supporting.

In terms of penalties, so far, UGX 129,200,000 (USD. 34,000) has been collected and 13 vehicles have been forwarded to the customs warehouse to pay taxes and register. Out of the whole exercise, the process is projected to generate more than UGX 500,000,000.

Ibrahim Bbossa, the URA Spokesperson noted that URA is expected to collect more revenue this financial year so continuous driving of non-authorized vehicles on the road affects the taxes URA collects for improved service delivery.

He also added that the authority is committed to cracking the vice to ensure that every Ugandan pays its fair share of revenue.

“I urge persons with foreign registered number plates to adhere to the EAC customs processes and legislation for importation of foreign registered vehicles or follow the registration process and acquire the Ugandan number plates ,” Bbossa emphasized.