According to sources familiar with the import process, the high-end vehicle — described in earlier reports as a “gift” — was quietly shipped into Uganda from the United Kingdom and is said to have been earmarked for a highly symbolic public appearance during the swearing-in ceremony of the 12th Parliament.
The development has drawn attention after it emerged that the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) assessed a combined tax obligation of approximately Shs1.6 billion, covering excise duty, import duty, VAT, withholding tax, and infrastructure levies.
The valuation reflects the luxury classification of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, one of the most expensive SUVs on the global market.
Reports further indicate that following the assessment, the Speaker’s side reportedly engaged URA on the possibility of a waiver or structured consideration of the tax obligations.
It is also claimed that the matter was formally presented to the tax authority, a move some sources have described as “self-reporting” to regularise the import process.
While the final administrative outcome remains unclear, the vehicle is now said to be fully cleared and in private custody around the Nakasero area, one of Kampala’s high-end residential and diplomatic zones.
Its presence has continued to fuel public debate over state officials’ access to luxury assets and the transparency of high-value imports.
The development has also intensified political scrutiny, with sections of the opposition questioning the optics of such acquisitions at a time of economic pressure.
However, no official statement has been issued confirming the final tax settlement terms or the conditions under which any waiver request may have been handled.
As speculation continues, attention is expected to shift to whether the vehicle will be publicly displayed during official parliamentary ceremonies, a move that could further amplify political and public interest in the matter.