As Uganda enters the third phase of its digital number plate rollout, concerns have emerged over the system’s effectiveness in tracking stolen vehicles and motorcycles.
Despite assurances that the new plates would enable real-time tracking, reports indicate that stolen vehicles equipped with digital plates remain untraceable. These concerns were highlighted in a recent report by The Standard, an online news platform, which questioned the ability of the system to fulfill its promise of enhanced vehicle security.
The rollout, which began with government vehicles in November 2023 before expanding to motorcycles in November 2024, has faced multiple challenges, including delays in issuance, a complicated payment process, and now, doubts over its reliability.
The digital number plate system is implemented by the Russian firm, Joint Stock Company (JSC) Global Security, in partnership with the Ugandan government. JSC Global Security was awarded a 10-year contract to develop the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) and oversee the manufacturing and distribution of digital plates.
The system incorporates RFID chips and Bluetooth beacons, enabling real-time tracking via law enforcement scanners and a network of surveillance cameras. However, recent complaints suggest that the system is failing to perform as expected.
BODA BODA RIDERS EXPRESS FRUSTRATION OVER STOLEN MOTORCYCLES
Boda boda riders, who were initially optimistic about the digital number plates improving security, are now raising concerns after experiencing difficulties tracking stolen motorcycles. Many have reported cases where the advertised traceability features did not work.
Swaib Lukyamuzi, a boda boda rider operating in Gayaza, expressed disappointment after witnessing his friend fail to recover a stolen motorcycle despite its digital number plate.
“When I saw the government rolling out digital number plates, I was happy because I believed stolen motorcycles would finally be traceable. But unfortunately, I have seen boda boda riders lose their bikes, and even after reporting to the police, they remain untraceable. This makes me question whether these new plates are any different from the old ones,” Lukyamuzi said.
He urged the government to resolve these issues before the two-year deadline for mandatory compliance approaches, warning that many cyclists are beginning to doubt the system.
GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO CONCERNS
Speaking on the matter, Susan Kataike, spokesperson for the ministry of Works and Transport, acknowledged the concerns raised by boda boda riders. She revealed that some tracking failures could be linked to dealerships issuing motorcycles with deactivated tracking chips, making them impossible to trace.
“As a ministry, we are aware of these concerns, and we encourage dealerships to ensure that digital number plate trackers are activated and fully powered before being issued to motorists and cyclists,” Kataike stated.
Despite multiple attempts, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke did not provide a comment by the time of publication. With the digital number plate system now in its critical implementation phase, questions remain over its reliability.
As concerns grow, stakeholders are urging the government to address these flaws to restore public confidence in the system designed to enhance security and curb vehicle theft.
the entire concept of digital plates was childish excitement. In a properly functioning system number plates alone are enough, if they are acquired through proper uncorrupt legit methods. What’s the point of tracking each car around?
What’s the point of having security people like police and also having CCTV.
Such useless schemes are the reason Uganda has realised less than 5 percent of her full potential over 3 decades under the NRM.
The little money we would have put into value addition projects and job creation is wasted on experimental things in which billions are always lost mysteriously.
A number plate is registered by a human who also has an i.d and a number and also a place of residence. Isn’t this supposed to be enough for a capable govt??
Well said.
The assumption you make is we have a capable government.
This is a fraudulent money-making scheme being pushed by the corrupt Jim Muhwezi. There was no competitive bidding and the company they chose to issue this number plates had no capacity or experience to deliver.
I didn’t see any point in awarding a foreign company to offer digital number plates because Tumpeco could simply have upgraded to a digital system and offer cheaper number plates unless someone badly had interest in the scheme.
This would also save our monies from going out of Uganda and support our local industry. That Ministry of works Spokes Person should next time speak what she understands well.They claimed the New digital plates have trackers as soon as they are installed and now she’s claiming they were not activated and powered.
Therefore people should be aware they have fake digital plates on their cars. Then, that’s a fake deal government got into since there’s no difference between the old ones and New ones which cost a lot of money.
MPs and IGG should get concerned and investigate immediately.
“Implemented by a Russian firm, Joint Stock Company (JSC) Global Security, in partnership with the Ugandan government”
😂😂😂😂😂
In Uganda you just keep silent and watch alot goes on and no body cares that why many Ugandans keep asking that who is the leader of this country (ani affuga egwangalino) because its difficult to really know considering what goes on.
I have tried to look closely at these digital number plates and did not see anything special about them and my conclusion was this was a scheme by some individuals as usual to make money
Now this is a generational curse for the thieves . If they keep smiling thinking its okay to steal , they will sooner pay in their lifetime, or , sadly their children will pay. This is how bad and obnoxious whoever is looting this country has become to Ugandans.
The worst part about JSC company,
It was the Ugandan government funding it yet it didn’t phased out any experimental digital number plates 😂
Let’s just stop complainin already! No matter how hard you rule out your truth, remember this government. You can do anything about it, even with all the rights you have to speak. They won’t just listen. If this is business to them, my guys let’s just shake our waists to their tune. It’s not like we really have any other alternative.
But it’s such a pitty that the so-praised number plates are failing. Boda boda owners, don’t trust this no. Plate shit. Protect your cycles the old fashion way, it’s more safe even if not completely. It’s just that the safety odds are up. WAY UP!!