This archive report was first published on 24 September 2019.
Published on September 24, 2019, hundreds of imported vehicles destined for Uganda and now abandoned in Mombasa warehouses are set to be auctioned by the Uganda Revenue Authority.
The vehicles have exceeded their 30-day statutory clearance and warehousing period as per the East African Community Customs Management Act 2004, and their owners have failed to pay all requisite taxes, fees, penalties, fines, and charges.
According to Charles Busomba, a URA official in Mombasa, the auction process has already begun, with a number of vehicles sold, and more expected to be auctioned in the coming days to decongest warehouses and avoid additional storage charges.
"Due process was followed, and public notices were placed in various media and on the URA website to attract bidders," said Mr. Busomba. "We have auctioned scores of vehicles and hope the remaining will be sold in the next few days."
Uganda, a major user of the Mombasa port, imports an average of 2,500 used cars per month, with the auction taking place in Mombasa despite the Ugandan law on importation of used cars permitting vehicles older than eight years, which is illegal in Kenya.
