In a sweeping crackdown on illegal foreign vehicles, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has impounded 33 cars for violating Temporary Road Licenses (TRLs), officials confirmed.
The operation, conducted on November 15th, spanned Gulu, Kamdini, and Elegu. URA enforcement officers teamed up with Gulu City Central Division Police and East Nile soldiers to target suspicious vehicles and enforce customs laws. Homes, garages, fuel stations, and parking yards were searched, and vehicles spotted flouting regulations on the roads were intercepted.
Weekend revellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan were among those most affected, as authorities clamped down on a recent surge of foreign-registered vehicles entering Gulu.
Under Ugandan law, foreign vehicles can operate in the country for up to 90 days on a temporary importation pass (form C32). After that period, owners are expected to return the vehicles to their home countries or pay the required import taxes. Authorities say many have ignored these rules, continuing to drive, sell, or even attach local number plates to their cars.
“Once the vehicle exceeds the 90 days allowed, they are supposed to pay import tax,” a URA official explained.
During the operation, 55 vehicles were seized. After checks, 22 were found compliant, while 33 were confirmed in violation and are now impounded at the URA-Gulu Logistics Hub pending further action.
URA officials emphasized that the crackdown is part of an ongoing commitment to enforce customs laws and ensure road compliance.
