Parliamentarians were probing the processes used to contract the Russian firm, scrutinizing its shareholdings, and examining related concerns. Investigations by The Observer indicate the suspension’s intent was to grant the Security minister, Jim Muhwezi, the space to delve into issues raised by the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), which were concurrently under the committee’s lens.
In June 2023, KACITA appealed to the speaker of parliament, alleging that critical stakeholders were sidelined in the digital number plate initiative. They highlighted their concerns about the high costs of digital plates, especially for boda-bodas, and other existing issues.
In 2018, President Yoweri Museveni sanctioned the Russian company, Joint Stock Global Security, to deploy a mandatory digital surveillance system. This system, aiming to track all motor vehicles and motorcycles in Uganda, necessitates an electronic device on each vehicle.
This move was part of President Museveni’s broader 10-point security strategy, developed in light of a surge in gun-related violence, leading to several tragic fatalities. In 2021, the Legal Brains Trust NGO sought legal action against the attorney general, aiming for an injunction to halt the government’s deal.
The NGO, through an affidavit by James Okori, argued the lack of public and parliamentary consultation, and expressed concerns over data privacy and potential misuse. However, Justice Boniface Wamala dismissed this claim earlier this year, citing insufficient grounds for such an order.
The project, named the Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS), is set for execution by both the Russian entity and the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC). Although the initial deadline for the production of the first number plates was July 1, this has been deferred to October 31, 2023.
Tensions are evident within the administration. While addressing the Physical Infrastructure Committee, Internal Affairs minister Kahinda Otafiire voiced concerns about the Russian firm’s choice, noting that the plates will be produced in Poland, which currently has strained relations with Russia due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Otafiire relayed his reservations about the cost hike of the digital plates and lamented his limited influence over this. Conversely, Security minister Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi rebuked Otafiire for not being adequately informed before addressing the MPs.
“I’m concerned about the cost, but I don’t have control over its determination. While I’ve learned about it through the media, no one has formally presented the issue to me. My involvement is limited in this regard. Much of what is being said is based on hearsay, and what you read in the press is my only source too,” stated Otafiire.
Otafiire mentioned that he received a report from police officers who conducted due diligence on the company. In their findings, they noted observing a system tailored for large fleet management. He further asserted that, according to their report, such a system has not been implemented anywhere globally, and even Russia does not utilize this system.
As for the Infrastructure Committee, its chairman, Dan Kimosho, remained unreachable for comments. However, Mawokota South MP, Yusuf Nsibambi, disclosed the deputy speaker’s letter urging them to pause their investigations. An anonymous committee member expressed fears of potential fraud in the wake of this decision, citing their initial findings.
“The letter was addressed to the committee chairman, and we, as members, agreed that he should handle all communications related to this matter. The letter advised us to pause the investigations until we receive further guidance from him. We are scheduled to meet this Wednesday to decide on the next steps,” he said.
Highlighting the evident contradictions between two ministers regarding the project, a committee member who declined to be named, stressed the necessity to continue their in-depth investigations.
“We should be allowed to proceed with our investigations, especially given the progress we’ve made. Our prior research uncovered various issues, including the company’s bankruptcy when Uganda entered into an agreement with them. The case was resolved on November 22, 2021, after the company settled its debt to LLC-Rus Prom-Technologies,” he said.
“When two ministers holding the same office express conflicting views about the project, it suggests that the project may be doomed. The speaker should permit us to carry on with our investigations. We’ve delved deeply and have found significant details that we intend to include in our report,” he added.
Nakawa East MP, Eng. Ronald Balimwezo, insisted on supporting local talent and resources over the alleged “fraudulent” foreign company.
“We cannot let the government proceed with a dubious company, especially after our initial investigations exposed so much. Everything appears to be a sham. We boast of IT specialists in our country and have policies like ‘Buy Uganda Build Uganda’. Moreover, Tumpeco has been recognized for producing some of the finest number plates in East Africa. Let’s support and enable them to manufacture these plates,” Nakawa East MP, Eng. Ronald Balimwezo said.
A previous 2021 investigation, initiated by Sarah Achieng Opendi, also a committee member, had revealed glaring gaps in the contracted company’s capabilities and inflated software costs, raising further concerns about the viability and authenticity of the project.
This case represents a tangled web of politics, security concerns, and public interests. Questions about transparency, efficacy, and oversight have surfaced, casting doubt on the project’s future.
The role of the parliament in this remains critical, as further investigations could shed light on concerns about financial mismanagement, stakeholder involvement, and the overall integrity of the digital number plate project.
inarticle} inarticle}