Members of Uganda's Parliamentary Committee on Physical Infrastructure, led by Chairperson Mwine Mpaka, recently visited the Police Command Centre at Naguru to assess the Digital Number Plate System's operations. This visit aimed to verify the system's security and vehicle-tracking functions, which had been questioned by legislators. The Committee sought to establish whether the system's security component was working effectively, following concerns raised by stakeholders.
During a hearing on September 28, Mpaka emphasized the need to verify the system's performance. Two days later, police and government officials appeared before the Committee, providing evidence on the system's operational performance. Police Director of ICT, AIGP Felix Baryamwisaki, reported that 337 out of 375 stolen motor vehicles had been tracked and recovered, representing a 90% recovery rate.
The Committee visited the monitoring centre for a practical demonstration of how vehicles are identified, how information is processed, and how the technology supports Police operations. Mpaka indicated that MPs wanted to test the system using their own number plates rather than relying solely on a prepared demonstration. The Committee was shown how digital registration plates can support Police in identifying, tracking, and recovering vehicles.
The demonstration highlighted the system's security results, demonstrating its role beyond vehicle registration and plate issuance. Committee members sought clarification on how information generated by the system is managed and stored. Sam Okiding, Deputy CDF and representative of the UPDF in parliament, was convinced that the data is stored in Uganda.
The Committee inspected the digital number plate production facility, examining the production and security components of the project. During the inspection, committee members observed the full number plate manufacturing process, existing stocks of production materials, and ongoing plate production and installation operations. The facility is currently operating at a production capacity of 2,500 number plate kits per day.
The production facility supports over 900 additional jobs in related industries, with a workforce of more than 300 Ugandan employees. The level of localization has reached 80%, making it the first full-cycle number plate production in East Africa. The inspection allowed Parliament to assess concerns previously raised about production capacity and the availability of number plates.
The operational evidence presented to Parliament points to a system that is functioning and producing measurable results. The focus is shifting towards strengthening cooperation among participating institutions, improving Police operational and administrative procedures, and ensuring clearer communication with motorists and other stakeholders.
Key points
- The Digital Number Plate System has a 90% recovery rate of stolen vehicles.
- The system is operating at a production capacity of 2,500 number plate kits per day.
- The project supports over 900 additional jobs in related industries.
