How to Transfer Motor Vehicle Ownership in Uganda: A Step-by-Step Guide

Transferring vehicle ownership can feel like a complicated process, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the required procedures. Whether you’ve sold your car, gifted it to a family member, or simply wish to update the registration, understanding the process is key to ensuring a smooth transfer. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to transfer motor vehicle ownership in Uganda, based on the detailed steps shared. By the end of this post, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the process confidently. You can also watch the full video here:

Getting Started: Why Transfer Vehicle Ownership?

There are various reasons you might need to transfer the ownership of a vehicle. Perhaps you’ve sold your car to a new owner, want to pass it on to a family member, or need to update the records for other personal reasons. No matter the case, understanding how to properly complete the transfer is essential to avoid legal issues and ensure that the new owner is registered with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

Let’s take a look at the step-by-step process of transferring vehicle ownership in Uganda.

Step 1: Log into the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Portal

The first step in the vehicle ownership transfer process is logging into the URA portal. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to create one. Remember that URA passwords expire every three months, so you might need to update them periodically. If you’re unsure how to do this, there are tutorials available to guide you through the password change process.

Once you’re on the URA website, enter your username and password to log in. If your password has expired, follow the necessary steps to reset it.

Step 2: Navigate to the Motor Vehicle Section

After logging in, you’ll be directed to the URA portal’s main interface. To begin the ownership transfer, navigate to the “Motor Vehicle” section. From there, click on “Motor Vehicle Application.” This is where you’ll start the process of changing ownership.

Step 3: Fill Out the Form for Ownership Transfer

Once you’re in the motor vehicle application section, you’ll need to select the option for a “Change of Ownership.” After selecting this option, you’ll be prompted to enter the vehicle’s registration number. Ensure that you enter the vehicle number exactly as it appears on the registration documents, without any spaces, to avoid any issues during the process.

Once the vehicle number is entered, click “Continue” to proceed. The system will automatically pull up the vehicle details, so you can confirm that you are working with the correct vehicle.

Step 4: Enter Your Information (Seller’s Details)

In this section, you’ll need to provide your details as the current owner (the seller). This includes your first name, last name, and telephone number. Be sure to enter accurate information here, as the system will use it to confirm your identity and complete the transaction.

Once you’ve filled in your details, the system will automatically populate additional fields. Check to ensure everything is correct before moving on to the next section.

Step 5: Enter the Buyer’s Information

Next, you’ll enter the details of the person who will become the new owner of the vehicle. This includes their Tax Identification Number (TIN), which is crucial for verifying their identity. If you don’t have the TIN number, you can’t complete the process, so make sure to gather this before beginning the transfer.

Once you enter the new owner’s TIN, the system will automatically fill in their other details. Double-check that everything is correct to avoid delays.

Step 6: Provide the Reason for Transfer

Now that you’ve entered all the necessary details, you’ll be asked to provide the reason for the transfer. For most people, the reason will be “Sale of Car.” However, if the transfer is due to another reason, such as a gift or inheritance, you can select that option instead.

Make sure you select the correct reason, as this helps the URA categorize the transfer accurately.

Step 7: Upload Required Documents

In this step, you’ll need to upload several documents to complete the application. These documents include:

• The application form
• The sales agreement (if applicable)
• The buyer’s identification documents
• The original logbook

If the car was sold, a sales agreement is mandatory. This document serves as proof of the transaction and can prevent potential disputes later on. You can also generate your logbook in case the first one was misplaced. Watch the video how to do it here.

Ensure that all documents are clear, legible, and up to date. Missing or incorrect documents can delay the process.

Step 8: Choose Your Payment Method

Once the documents are uploaded, you’ll be required to pay a fee for the ownership transfer. The standard fee for this process is UGX 84,000, but be sure to check the current rate on the URA website.

The payment can be made via mobile money, bank transfer, or online payment methods such as Visa or MasterCard. Select the method that is most convenient for you and proceed to make the payment.

Step 9: Submit the Application

After making the payment, the next step is to submit your application. The URA portal will provide a confirmation of your submission, which you should print or save for your records.

You’ll also be asked to choose whether you’d like the receipt in color or black and white. Once you’ve made your choice, you can either print it immediately or save it as a PDF.

Step 10: Visit the Uganda Revenue Authority Office

Once your application has been submitted and the payment has been processed, the final step is to visit the Uganda Revenue Authority office or a designated location for the Ministry of Works and Transport. Here, you’ll submit the printed documents and payment receipts.

Ensure that all the documents, including the application, sales agreement, and identification details, are in order before submission.

Conclusion: Completing the Transfer with Ease

Transferring motor vehicle ownership in Uganda may seem like a lengthy process, but breaking it down step by step makes it more manageable. By following these clear instructions, you can confidently transfer ownership, whether you’ve sold your car or passed it on to a family member.

For more information, be sure to check out the full video. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with anyone who may find this process helpful.

By understanding and following these steps, you ensure that the transfer is done correctly, saving time and preventing future complications.

Thank you for reading! We hope you found this guide helpful. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or if there’s anything else you’d like to learn about vehicle ownership in Uganda.