By Robert Segawa
The Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, has given the contractor implementing Uganda’s Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) until August 30, 2026, to resolve all challenges affecting the issuance of digital number plate kits.
The directive follows growing complaints from car bond operators and motorcycle dealers, who say they are struggling to obtain digital number plates despite paying billions of shillings to the contractor.
During an inspection visit and meeting with ITMS officials at their offices in Kyambogo on Monday, Byamukama said the contractor is currently processing about 2,500 applications per day, which is its present operational capacity. However, he noted that the system has a backlog of approximately 47,000 applications, resulting in significant delays.
The minister also observed that motorists seeking replacement plates after theft or damage are facing similar challenges under the post-registration process.
He directed the Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety to meet with the contractor within one week to develop an effective plan for handling post-registration services and reducing delays.
Byamukama further warned vehicle dealers against defrauding buyers by repainting old vehicles, obtaining digital number plates for them, and selling them at inflated prices as though they were brand-new vehicles. He cautioned that those engaging in such fraudulent practices would face the full force of the law.
Meanwhile, Nikita Novoselov, the Production and Installation Director at the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), attributed the delays to logistical disruptions affecting the delivery of materials from the Middle East. He assured the minister that the outstanding issues would be resolved within the next three weeks.
Novoselov also explained that cargo transportation has been affected after some international airlines suspended flights to Uganda due to the Ebola outbreak, while others, including Ethiopian Airlines, are experiencing significant cargo backlogs.
He added that the digital number plate system has a high recovery success rate for stolen vehicles, provided owners promptly report the theft to the police and the tracking devices installed on the vehicles have not been tampered with.
