The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has issued a cautionary message to all individuals granted a temporary road license (TRL) not to violate its terms and conditions. Ibrahim Bossa, the URA spokesperson, took to Twitter on December 13, 2023, to address the issue of foreign holidaymakers acquiring TRLs, only to overstay and misuse them.
TRLs are typically given to foreigners and holidaymakers visiting Uganda for a short duration. These individuals often bring their foreign-registered vehicles, which are then issued with a TRL. However, Bossa revealed that many of these visitors choose to remain in the country beyond the designated time frame of their TRL, an offense under the law.
“Unfortunately this is not always the case, some of these foreigners and holiday makers ( ba summer) violate the TRL. And choose to Stay and test their luck with expired TRLs which is an offense, ” said Bbossa.
Furthermore, Bossa emphasized that individuals granted a TRL are prohibited from lending or selling their vehicles to anyone in Uganda without prior permission from Commissioner Customs, Gordon Mwesigye.
The URA spokesperson clarified that TRLs are primarily granted to foreigners with foreign registered vehicles, as well as Ugandans working abroad possessing valid work permits. These permits are most commonly sought by individuals from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bossa concluded by reminding those issued with TRLs to adhere to its terms and conditions. The maximum duration for a TRL is 90 days, after which the individuals must return to their respective countries. The URA intends to enforce stricter measures to ensure compliance with the regulations surrounding TRLs and prevent their misuse in Uganda.
