Digital Plates Project | Govt Rolls Out 3rd Phase

What you need to know about vehicle registration plates of Uganda for the Digital plates project

The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Works and Transport, has launched the third phase of the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) project. This phase focuses on installing digital number plates on all vehicles and motorcycles entering the country for the first time. The project was officially flagged off at the Malaba border on January 6, 2024, by Ministry spokesperson Suzan Kataike and other government officials.

Is the Digital plates project focused on Newly Imported Vehicles?

Speaking at the launch, Ms. Kataike announced, “From today, all the newly imported cars and motorcycles will be issued with digital number plates before they enter into the country.” On Monday, vehicles and motorcycles arriving at the Malaba border were fitted with ITMS-compliant digital plates, marking the start of the initiative.

The government has contracted the Russian company, M/s Joint Stock Company Global Security, to oversee the Digital plates project for a period of 10 years. New vehicle and motorcycle owners will be required to pay UGX 714,300 for the installation of the plates.

Where will the Digital plates project begin from?

The rollout will initially focus on Uganda’s Malaba and Mutukula border entry points. These facilities will issue digital plates to vehicles and motorcycles arriving from the Mombasa and Dar es Salaam ports. For vehicles imported into the country before January 6, digital plates will be available at bonded warehouses and Ministry of Works and Transport offices that have been issuing driving licenses nationwide.

When will the government of Uganda phase out old non-digital number plates?

The government aims to phase out old, non-digital plates within two years which will be approximately 2027. While owners with existing plates can voluntarily transition to digital plates, the cost will be UGX 150,000 for vehicles and UGX 50,000 for motorcycles.

Read more news from Kampala Edge Times

Why was the Digital plates project launched?

The ITMS project was first announced by President Yoweri Museveni during the 2021 State of the Nation Address as a measure to combat crime. Digital plates with embedded tracking technology are designed to monitor vehicles and motorcycles, reduce theft, and enhance road safety.

Since the project’s initial launch in 2022, 11,143 motorcycles and 2,721 vehicles have been fitted with digital plates. Kataike emphasized the system’s benefits, stating, “With the digital tracking system incorporated in the new number plates, government will reduce cases of motor vehicle theft as well as guarantee the safety and security of road users.”

Public and Institutional Support
Global Security Company’s communications chief, Galina Svalova, revealed that bookings for at least 38 vehicles in transit have already been made. “This indicates that people have embraced the system, considering the benefits it offers,” she said.

Uganda Revenue Authority’s (URA) Eastern Region acting manager, Jimmy Oluka, also praised the initiative, noting that digitalizing plates will curb the issuance of fake plates and reduce extortion by middlemen. “The technology will also boost revenue collection, especially at the Malaba border post, which registers an average daily entry of over 150 vehicles,” Oluka added.

Oluka further highlighted that the new system simplifies the process for upcountry vehicle owners who previously faced challenges in securing plates.

What can we expect from the rollout of the Digital plates project?

With over 2.4 million vehicles in Uganda, the government’s digital number plates project is poised to enhance vehicle monitoring and improve security. As the country moves toward complete adoption of ITMS-compliant plates, the initiative marks a significant step in modernizing Uganda’s transport infrastructure.