The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) has urged Parliament to reconsider the monopoly held by a foreign firm contracted to produce digital number plates. UMA Board Chairperson Richard Mubiru cited delays, high costs, and business disruptions, stating that the intended security benefits have not been realized. The digital number plate system was introduced to address forged plates, but stakeholders claim it has not improved vehicle identification, tracking, or revenue collection.
In 2021, Uganda signed a 10-year agreement with Russia-based Joint Stock Company Global Security to implement the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS). The system includes digital number plates and aims to improve vehicle identification, tracking, traffic management, and revenue collection. However, Mubiru told Parliament's Committee on Physical Infrastructure that the current arrangement has sidelined local companies that previously manufactured number plates.
Stakeholders have raised concerns over delays in issuing and installing digital plates, with some waiting months for their plates. Boda boda rider Hassan Ssentongo reported paying for a digital plate in July 2025 but still not receiving it, and being asked to make another payment. National Boda Boda Union Chairperson Frank Mawejje questioned the effectiveness and cost of digital plates, stating that boda boda riders are charged over Shs700,000, compared to the previous Shs125,000.
Mawejje argued that motorcycle owners should not be subjected to the same charges as car owners. He also questioned whether the digital system had helped recover stolen motorcycles, citing cases where recoveries relied on surveillance cameras. Kezekia Bwire, Vice Chairperson of the Uganda Clearing Industry and Forwarding Association, reported that some clients struggled to get responses from the service provider, and several vehicles and motorcycles remained untraced.
Global Security's Project Manager for the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System, Damir Makhmutov, acknowledged government concerns over shortages and delays. He attributed some delays to disruptions affecting consignments and stated that the company had the capacity to carry out up to 1,500 installations per day, but had completed 1,307 installations as of 23 September 2026.
The concerns come amid wider complaints from business associations over shortages and delays in obtaining digital number plates. The Committee on Physical Infrastructure is expected to conclude its inquiry into the digital number plate project and present its report to Parliament. KACITA previously expressed concerns that prolonged waits were affecting vehicle dealers and businesses.
The Uganda Manufacturers Association's call for a review of the digital number plate monopoly highlights the challenges faced by stakeholders. Key issues include delays, high costs, and disruptions to businesses. The Committee on Physical Infrastructure's inquiry aims to address these concerns and find a solution to the problems affecting the implementation of the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System.
Key points
- UMA urges Parliament to review the 10-year agreement with Global Security over delays and high costs.
- Stakeholders report delays in issuing and installing digital plates, with some waiting months.
- Concerns have been raised over the effectiveness and cost of digital plates, particularly for boda boda riders.
