URA impounds 33 foreign-registered vehicles in Gulu

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Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) on Monday, November 24, 2025, said it had impounded 33 vehicles for violating Temporary Road Licences (TRLs) in Gulu city.

URA, in a statement, said the 33 vehicles were seized during an operation conducted on November 15, 2025, by URA enforcement officers in Gulu, Kamdini and Elegu, working jointly with the Gulu City Central Division Police and Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers.

“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,” the URA statement said.

URA officials said the operation was prompted by a recent surge in foreign-registered vehicles entering Gulu, particularly 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 said that many foreign vehicle owners continue to operate in Uganda after their licences have expired. They added that some owners sell the vehicles or affix local number plates.

"Once the vehicle exceeds the 90 days allowed, they are supposed to pay import tax,” a URA official explained.

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.

URA said the non-compliant vehicles remain parked at the URA Gulu logistics hub pending further enforcement procedures.

URA added that it remains committed to ensuring compliance with customs laws.