(Arua) – The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has successfully raised UGX 2.7 billion from a nine-month promotion aimed at increasing motorcycle registrations in the West Nile region. This initiative, which targeted unregistered motorcycles, has resulted in the registration of 4,386 motorcycles.
In February 2024, the state minister of finance, Henry Musasizi, introduced this six-month temporary measure in response to a petition from local leaders. To encourage compliance, URA implemented an installment payment system for motorcycle registration fees, allowing owners to pay over six months. Additionally, the registration tax was halved from UGX 1.5 million to UGX 750,000.
Originally set to run for six months, the promotion was extended by two months until September 30, 2024. Frank Abaho, the acting URA regional manager for customs enforcement in northern Uganda, highlighted the success of the initiative during a media briefing in Arua on October 25, 2024. He noted that the promotion has generated significant tax revenue while increasing the number of registered motorcycles.
Abaho pointed out that West Nile faces substantial revenue loss due to smuggling activities, which include various forms of illegal transport. He explained that many motorcycles operating in the area are unregistered or use fake number plates, contributing to revenue leakage. “We always tell the people that smuggling is not only illegal and a loss to the Government but it is also a security risk, as dangerous weapons can be trafficked alongside smuggled goods,” he stated.
The region experiences an estimated loss of UGX 2.5 billion monthly due to smuggling. Abaho emphasized that the goal for URA this year is to collect UGX 38 billion in revenue from northern Uganda, but the challenge posed by porous borders and smuggling significantly impacts these targets.
Clare Sanyu, URA’s supervisor of customer relations in the northern region, attributed the success of the promotion to the agency’s 3E strategy: Educate, Engage, and Enforce. This approach involves continuous multi-stakeholder dialogues that aim to increase compliance and awareness among motorcycle owners.
Regarding impounded goods, URA enforcement officer Joseph Ochi reassured the public that the authority manages these items responsibly. He explained that URA is permitted to hold impounded goods for only 30 days before they are auctioned off. Ochi noted that perishable items, such as petrol, are sold immediately to private companies like petrol stations.
