Bobi Wine VS URA
Bobi Wine’s chances of saving his bullet proof car from getting impounded by Uganda Revenue Authority-URA hang by a thread as the Tax collecting body informs court that NUP darling needed special permission before shipping in the said car in into the country.
Last week, Bobi Wine ran to court to save his most treasured car which he says was gifted to him by his caring fans world wide. Bobi through his trusted lawyers to court that URA is trying to squeeze his balls because of his involvement in politics.
However, Geoffrey Balamaga, a manager in URA’s customs department told court that Bobi’s vehicle was declared to customs as an ordinary vehicle and not an armored one, and therefore, less taxes were paid for it which contrary to the customs law.
“Armored vehicles are restricted items under the Customs law and the law regulating the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and requires special permission to import or own and thus it would only be proper if the applicant(Kyagulanyi) cooperates with the respondent(URA) to clarify on and clear the matter as the law requires,” URA’s Balamaga said in his affidavit.
Balamaga further noted that unless examined for the second time, the queries raised on the vehicle would remain pending and yet substantial in nature.
In his application to stop URA from impounding his armored vehicle, the pop-star cum opposition honcho said his Tundra vehicle was impounded in 2018 and is currently parked at Arua Central Police Station, adding that he has for long been targeted by the state by either damaging, destroying or confiscating his vehicles.
“If the plaintiff hands over his motor vehicle to the defendant, he will be left without means of transport and without the protection he sought in this particular motor vehicle, especially that the defendant is not even specific on how long the motor vehicle will stay in the possession of the defendant,” Bobi Wine said.
However, URA has dismissed the claims saying they are mere allegations meant to circumvent the law and they are baseless.
“The sweeping allegations of the applicant that he has been a target of different government agencies are denied and false. URA has never targeted the applicant for any reason before, at and after the presidential elections for any sinister reason or at all. The examination of a vehicle could be just a matter of hours if the applicant cooperated and all documents are in order. The fears of the vehicle’s detention for a longer period is baseless.” Balamaga added.
URA further adds that their main aim is to carry out a proper evaluation of the vehicle to ascertain whether it was not under-declared.
“It is only proper and fair that the applicant(Kyagulanyi) validates or rebuts the respondent’s preliminary findings in regard to the suit motor vehicle by cooperating and participating in the full examination of the vehicle upon being produced at the respondent’s address.”
Enock Mugabi aka iWitness is a Journalist, Seasoned Writer and Music Analyst with a passion for sports.
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