The company behind Uganda's digital number plate program, Joint Stock Company Global Security, claims it has the technical capability and staff to install 1,500 digital plates per day. Damir Makhmutov, project manager for the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System, made this statement during a parliamentary committee meeting on Monday. He acknowledged that the government had expressed concerns over delays in the installation process.
According to Makhmutov, some of the disruptions are attributed to global conflicts affecting international shipping routes. He cited an example, stating that as of September 23rd, the company had completed 1,307 installations. The parliamentary committee is investigating the cause of the delays and the company's capacity to meet the demand for digital plates. The committee chairperson, Mwine Mpaka, emphasized that they will examine whether the improved capacity is translating into timely service for motorists.
The global shipping disruptions have resulted in vessels being diverted from the Red Sea and Suez Canal around the Cape of Good Hope, leading to longer journeys, less reliable schedules, and higher operating costs. This has raised concerns about the impact on imported supplies, including materials for digital plates. However, the committee has yet to establish which shipments were delayed or for how long.
The Intelligent Transport Monitoring System has been touted as a tool to support the interception and recovery of stolen vehicles. Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, recently urged the public to report stolen vehicles and motorcycles promptly, providing proof of ownership to support investigations. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke also emphasized the importance of timely reporting of thefts to enhance the effectiveness of the tracking technology.
During the parliamentary committee meeting, Uganda Manufacturers Association board chairperson Richard Mubiru urged Parliament to review the firm's exclusive role under its 10-year agreement with the government. The committee is expected to seek answers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs on whether the system's security features are working as intended and justified the cost.
Committee chairperson Mwine Mpaka stated that the inquiry aims to establish whether the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System is working effectively to justify its cost. The committee will also examine the impact of the delays on motorists and the overall effectiveness of the digital plate program.
The parliamentary committee is set to conclude its inquiry and report its findings to Parliament. The outcome of the investigation will likely have implications for the implementation of the digital plate program and the role of Joint Stock Company Global Security in the project.
Key points
- The Russian firm claims it can install 1,500 digital plates daily, but has only completed 1,307 installations as of September 23rd.
- Global shipping disruptions have caused delays in the installation of digital plates in Uganda.
- The parliamentary committee is investigating the cause of the delays and the effectiveness of the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System.
