URA impounds 33 foreign vehicles in Gulu Over TRL violations

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has impounded 33 foreign-registered vehicles in Gulu City during a major crackdown on the misuse of Temporary Road Licenses (TRLs). The operation, conducted on November 15, covered Gulu, Kamdini, and Elegu, and involved URA enforcement officers, Gulu City Central Division Police, and soldiers from the East Nile sub-region.

Teams carried out searches at homes, garages, fuel stations, and parking yards, as well as intercepting suspicious vehicles on the roads. According to URA, weekend travellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan were among the most affected.

The operation was prompted by a surge in foreign-registered vehicles entering Gulu, especially during weekends. Under customs regulations, foreign vehicles are allowed to operate in Uganda for up to 90 days with a temporary importation pass (Form C32). After this period, vehicle owners must either return the vehicles to their countries or pay import duties.

“Once the vehicle exceeds the 90 days allowed, they are supposed to pay import tax,” a URA official explained. However, many continue to operate in Uganda beyond the allowed period, some even selling the vehicles or affixing local number plates.

During the operation, a total of 55 vehicles were seized. Of these, 22 were compliant with C32 regulations, while 33 were found in violation. Non-compliant vehicles are now parked at the URA-Gulu Logistics Hub, awaiting further enforcement action.

URA emphasized its commitment to ensuring compliance with customs laws and cracking down on illegal operations that undermine revenue collection.