The Ugandan government has successfully cleared the backlog of digital number plates, with the production and fitment process now significantly streamlined. According to Winston Katushabe, Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety at the Ministry of Works and Transport, the situation surrounding the availability of digital number plates has improved considerably. The Ministry's latest report states that the shortage of digital registration plate components was fully recovered by August 2026, with steady supplies restored and the backlog cleared during the same month.
The implementation of the digital number plate system has led to a notable reduction in service delivery times. The average time required to fit digital registration plates at Kampala bonds decreased from 19 days in December 2025 to two days in September 2026. Furthermore, vehicles arriving through the Malaba and Mutukula One Stop Border Posts are now being fitted with digital plates in approximately three hours. These improvements indicate a significant enhancement in the efficiency of the registration process.
The Ministry of Works and Transport's report also highlights improvements in performance at bonds. In July, the average registration time was six days, with only 33% of cases completed within two calendar days. By September 2026, the average registration time, including fitment, had fallen to two days, with 72% of cases completed within two calendar days. These statistics demonstrate a substantial increase in the speed and effectiveness of the digital registration process.
The introduction of digital registration plates has also had a positive impact on government revenue. According to the Ministry's report, taxes collected increased by 17% in the first financial year of implementation, while overall government revenue rose by 16.4%. The Ministry attributes this increase to stronger enforcement of compliance following the implementation of digital registration plates for motor vehicle declarations made by clearing agents.
The digital number plate system has also demonstrated its value in enhancing security and supporting law enforcement efforts. Police reports have highlighted individual cases in which digital tracing supported investigations involving stolen motorcycles and boda-boda riders. The system is being used by the Police to support vehicle tracing, theft investigations, and the recovery of stolen property.
In addition to its operational benefits, the digital number plate system is providing vehicle owners with greater visibility over their registration status. The expansion of digital plate installation services beyond Kampala is also improving access for motorists in upcountry Uganda. As the Committee on Physical Infrastructure continues to scrutinize the implementation of the programme, it is clear that the digital number plate system is having a profound impact on Uganda's transportation sector.
The Committee on Physical Infrastructure, led by Hon. Mwine Mpaka, will continue to closely follow the implementation of the Digital Number Plate Project and engage with the programme as part of its ongoing parliamentary oversight. With the backlog cleared and service delivery times significantly reduced, the focus now shifts to ensuring the continued smooth operation of the system and exploring further opportunities for improvement.
Key points
- The Ugandan government has cleared the backlog of digital number plates, with the production and fitment process now significantly streamlined.
- The implementation of the digital number plate system has led to a 16.4% rise in government revenue.
- The digital number plate system is being used by the Police to support vehicle tracing, theft investigations, and the recovery of stolen property.
