KAMPALA – The Ugandan government is set to roll out the third phase of the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) project, which involves the issuance of digital registration plates for private and public motor vehicles. This move is aimed at combating motor vehicle-related crime and reducing road carnage on Ugandan roads.
The ITMS project was initiated in 2021, when the government signed an agreement with Joint Stock Company Global Security to set up the system. The project has been implemented in phases, with the first phase commencing on November 1, 2023, for government vehicles, and the second phase starting on November 1, 2024, for motorcycles.
As of January 6, 2025, the new digital registration plates will be issued to private and public motor vehicles. The public has been informed that the modalities for the transition from the previous service providers to the new service provider, Joint Stock Company Global Security, will include a 30-day grace period for motor vehicle dealers and owners to collect their plates from the previous suppliers.
“The public is hereby informed that the issuance of the new digital registration plates is a mandatory requirement for all motor vehicles in Uganda,” said Bageya Waiswa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport. “We urge all motor vehicle owners to comply with this requirement and to cooperate with the new service provider to ensure a smooth transition.”
The digital registration plates are designed to enhance security and reduce crime. They will be equipped with a tracker, a sim chip, Bluetooth beacons, and snap locks, which will enable the authorities to track and identify vehicles involved in criminal activities.
“We believe that the new digital registration plates will greatly improve our ability to track and identify vehicles involved in crime,” said Waiswa. “This will help to reduce crime and improve road safety in Uganda.”
However, the rollout of the digital number plate system has raised concerns about privacy and data protection. The system will be integrated with other databases, such as the Closed Circuit Television System (CCTV) and the national identity database, which has raised concerns about the potential for mass surveillance.
The government has assured the public that the system will be used to improve transport management and security, and that the data collected will be protected. However, the rollout of the system has been met with skepticism by some sections of the public, who are concerned about the potential for abuse.
“We understand that there are concerns about privacy and data protection, but we assure the public that the system will be used for the intended purpose of improving transport management and security,” said Waiswa. “We will ensure that the data collected is protected and used in accordance with the law.”
