Overview:
According to customs regulations, foreign-registered vehicles are allowed to operate in a country for up to 90 days with a temporary importation pass (form C32). After the 90 days, they are expected to return to their countries.
Uganda Revenue Authority has impounded 33 vehicles for violating Temporary Road Licences (TRLs) in Gulu city.
The vehicles were seized during an operation conducted last week by URA enforcement officers in Gulu, Kamdini, and Elegu, in collaboration with the Gulu City Central Division Police and soldiers from the East Nile sub-region.
The teams searched homes, garages, fuel stations, parking yards, and intercepted suspicious vehicles seen on the roads. Weekend revellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan were among those most affected.
Officials say the operation was prompted by a recent surge in foreign-registered vehicles entering Gulu, especially during weekends.
According to customs regulations, foreign-registered vehicles are allowed to operate in a country for up to 90 days with a temporary importation pass (form C32). After the 90 days, they are expected to return to their countries.
URA officials say that many foreign vehicle owners continue to operate in Uganda after their licenses have expired. Some sell them or affix local number plates. “Once the vehicle exceeds the 90 days allowed, they are supposed to pay import tax,” a URA official explains.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 55 vehicles. Of these, 22 were cleared as compliant with C32 regulations, while 33 were found to be in violation. The non-compliant vehicles remain parked at the URA-Gulu Logistics Hub pending further enforcement procedures. URA remains committed to ensuring compliance with customs laws