By Aggrey Baba
Uganda Revenue Authority’s (URA) Team One Enforcement has launched an operation aimed at cracking down on the abuse of Temporary Road Licenses (TRLs).
It’s said that “the fish who swims too fast will eventually be caught,” and many vehicles flaunting expired TRLs have now found themselves at the URA impound yard.
The operation, dubbed “Catch Up,” kicked off on February 13, 2025, targeting areas such as Kabalagala, Kololo, Ntinda, Munyonyo, Entebbe, and Ggaba.
The crackdown comes after it was discovered that some foreign registered cars, including luxury Jeeps, BMW X series, and top-of-the-line Mercedes Benz, were violating regulations surrounding TRLs.
A Temporary Road License is typically granted to Ugandans working abroad who return home temporarily with their foreign-registered vehicles. The TRL allows them to cruise around for three months, renewable twice.
However, as is often the case with benefits, there are those who’ve found ways to misuse the system. Some of these vehicles have been sold or lent out illegally, while others have been left on the road after their TRLs expired, all without proper documentation.
The URA expects to collect up to Ugx 400 million from the vehicles seized in this operation, which exposes the growing challenge of regulating vehicles driven by foreign nationals or returning citizens. While Ugandans are encouraged to bring their cars back home, there are clear rules, where driving a foreign vehicle with an expired TRL is illegal, and selling a car with a TRL without permission from the Commissioner of Customs is prohibited.
The tax exemption for returning citizens is not transferable, and if a car is sold, the buyer must pay taxes as though the car is a new import.
In the words of an old proverb, [The truth may be hidden, but it will always come to light]. And through “Catch Up,” URA is reminding all that the road to fair taxation and regulation is a shared responsibility.
The crackdown on illegal practices serves as a clear message, abide by the rules, or risk losing more than just a ride. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
