On Wednesday, November 1, 2023, the Ministry of Works and Transport, in collaboration with the Ministry of Security, officially launched the Digital Number Plates Project.
The event, held at the Ministry of Works and Transport offices on Old Port Bell Road, commenced at 9 am.
The project, known as the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), will involve the re-registration of Ugandan vehicles with electronic number plates.
The implementation of the ITMS and the introduction of new registration plates promise a range of direct benefits for the people of Uganda, with a strong emphasis on national security, safety, and the control of vehicle-related criminal activities within the country.
This cutting-edge system will serve to deter vehicle theft and vehicle-related crimes by enhancing traceability, tracking, and real-time information through the Police Command Center. Furthermore, it is expected to curb reckless driving by enabling monitoring through a network of CCTV cameras, thereby bolstering enforcement efforts.
Minister for Works, Gen. Katumba Wamala, stressed the importance of ensuring the system’s diligent operation, particularly by those overseeing it. He emphasized that the ITMS would enhance national security and vehicle-related crime control while respecting privacy rights. He highlighted that this system, in addition to modernized vehicle registration, is part of the government’s commitment to leverage technology for the betterment of society.
Gen. Katumba Wamala also noted that the categorization of number plates under road traffic and safety registration rules and regulations would help differentiate vehicles across various government ministries and agencies. The previous use of uniform blue plates made it challenging to identify the responsible agency.
The minister acknowledged the logistical challenges that led to a delay in the project, originally slated for a July 2023 launch, and expressed gratitude to the Russian company for their patience and persistence as the service provider.
During the launch event, vehicles were fitted with digital number plates for demonstration purposes. A selection of vehicles from the Office of the President, Police, and MoWT were showcased. The full rollout of this transformative exercise is scheduled to begin on February 1, 2024.
The initiative will roll out fully on February 1, 2024, following public awareness and education campaigns. The benefits of the ITMS project encompass heightened security, particularly in the vital tourism sector, deterring vehicle theft, and promoting responsible driving, thereby contributing to Uganda’s status as a premier tourist destination.
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