The tax collecting body of Uganda, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is set to start a crackdown against foreign registered motor vehicles. And those bearing Temporary Road Licenses that have expired. This communication was made by the Customs office.
This tax body expects a sharp rise in such motor vehicles on the road as many Basummer come back home for the festive season. And then, some foreigners visit the country with their cars.
These are widely known for causing “inflation” in town because of too much spending in happening places. Their expenditure appetites also extend to driving posh cars, in most cases, foreign registered plates because the Uganda Revenue Authority issues them Temporary Road Licenses (TRL).
What is a Temporary Road License?
These are documents given to foreigners intending to come into Uganda with their foreign registered vehicles or Ugandans working abroad with valid work permits and this license authorizes a person a maximum of 90 days.
“If you have been granted a TRL you are not supposed to lend out your car or sell it to anyone in the country without permission. If you want to sell it, you have to notify the Commissioner of Customs,” Godson Mwesigye, the Manager of Enforcement Operations said.
URA’s crackdown has seen several culprits netted and had their cars impounded the latest being a Mercedes-Benz GLE350d that was intercepted in Adjumani district. According to the Customs Enforcement team in Elegu, the Benz had number plates belonging to a Toyota.
“This means it had paid taxes in South Sudan and crossed over to Uganda with unpaid taxes. To avoid taxes, the owner was “clever” enough to change the plates belonging to a different car,” explained a Customs officer.
This website is therefore informed that, currently, several field operations are ongoing to net more culprits, as URA enforces its mandate by cracking the vice to ensure that every Ugandan pays its fair share of revenue.
ALSO READ: MPs Allegedly Get Ugx 100m to Pass a Supplementary Budget
