Jim Ssentongo Exposes URA: Retiree’s Vehicles Auctioned Without Notice Amid Bureaucratic Nightmare

Jim Spire Ssentongo has highlighted significant issues faced by a retired employee in his dealings with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), bringing attention to the challenges retirees encounter within bureaucratic systems.

The individual, who worked for 28 years at Stanbic Bank, retired in 2017 and aimed to support his children through their university studies. With his retirement benefits and savings, he invested in several vehicles, including a Nissan Civillian coaster and three Jaguar saloon cars. However, the process of clearing these vehicles became fraught with complications.

To facilitate the clearance of his vehicles upon arrival in Uganda, the retiree engaged an agent. Unfortunately, it was later discovered that this agent was collaborating with URA staff, which complicated the situation further. Initially, the retiree expected that taxes would be calculated based on the purchase value of the vehicles. Instead, he received a tipper dumper rather than the coaster he intended to clear first.

In an effort to manage his tax payments, the retiree requested to pay in instalments. However, this request encountered numerous delays as approvals appeared to be lost within URA's bureaucratic processes. Despite providing all necessary documentation and having his taxpayer identification number on file, communication from URA was inadequate.

After persistent efforts, he managed to speak with an acting commissioner who granted permission for instalment payments. However, progress remained slow even after this approval. The agent assured him that his vehicles were safe in a bond while awaiting clearance.

As time passed without resolution, the retiree sought legal assistance and had a lawyer send a letter to URA on 17 October 2019. Unfortunately, URA did not respond to this correspondence. In January 2020, he escalated the matter by filing a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), but again received no response from URA despite CID's inquiries.

In late 2023, the retiree contacted URA directly seeking compensation for his difficulties. An email response was received in early January 2024, but it left him dissatisfied and still without his vehicles.

Just three days after this account was made public online by Ssentongo, it was revealed that URA had auctioned off the retiree's vehicles without notifying him. This action has resulted in significant distress and financial burden for the retiree.

What are your thoughts on this matter? Please feel free to share your opinions in the comment box and visit the following link for more information. Don't forget to follow me for more interesting updates.