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Last week, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) began a two-week joint operation with the Uganda Traffic Police and the Military. The operation focused on foreign-registered motor vehicles, vehicles with red plates (indicating tax exemption), and vehicles with duplicate or forged number plates.
The operation was based on intelligence reports and set up several checkpoints around  Kampala city suburbs. Each checkpoint was staffed by five officers to ensure smooth execution.
During the operation, more than 750 vehicles were checked against their profiles in URA systems like E-TAX, with relevant information recorded from the drivers. John Olowo, one of the enforcement officers, reported that a total of 125 vehicles were impounded. Of these, 78 were foreign-registered, and 47 had red number plates, indicating misuse of duty-free exemption
Olowo explained that most foreign-registered vehicles are owned by Ugandans, while others belong to foreigners who reside permanently in Uganda, particularly South Sudanese. The owners of the intercepted vehicles have shown willingness to register their vehicles in Uganda, which URA supports.
In terms of penalties, UGX 129,200,000 (approximately USD 34,000) has been collected so far, and 13 vehicles have been sent to the customs warehouse to pay taxes and register. The entire exercise is expected to generate over UGX 500,000,000.
URA Spokesperson Ibrahim Bbossa noted that continuous driving of unauthorized vehicles affects the revenue URA collects, which is crucial for improved service delivery. He emphasized that the authority is committed to ensuring every Ugandan pays their fair share of taxes.
Bbossa urged individuals with foreign-registered vehicles to adhere to the East African Community (EAC) customs processes and legislation for importing foreign-registered vehicles or follow the registration process to obtain Ugandan number plates.