By Namuli N Racheal
In response to growing concerns and misinformation about the shortage of vehicle number plates, GM Tumpeco and Arnold Brooklyn Company (ABC) Limited have issued a formal statement to clarify the situation and reassure the public of their commitment to reliable service.
During a press conference held at Entebbe International Airport, Elvis Ssekyanzi, Executive Director of GM Tumpeco, announced the arrival of a new shipment of number plates, signaling that supply has been fully restored. Ssekyanzi emphasized that both GM Tumpeco and ABC Limited have a long history of consistent service, having provided number plates for the past 24 years without significant issues.
“We wish to clarify that the supply of number plates has already resumed,” Ssekyanzi stated. “Over the past 24 years, GM Tumpeco and ABC Limited have continuously delivered without shortages. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serving our clients with reliability and consistency.”
Ssekyanzi explained that the temporary shortage was not due to internal inefficiencies but rather caused by delays related to the rollout of new digital number plates by the government. The repeated postponement of this rollout created uncertainty within the supply chain.
“The delays in the launch of digital number plates led to a temporary supply issue,” Ssekyanzi explained. “Our contracts with the Ministry of Works were short-term to align with the anticipated transition to the digital system. With the launch date being extended multiple times, we were granted temporary permission to continue production, but this short-term arrangement limited our ability to replenish stocks adequately.”
Jyoti Puri, General Manager of ABC Limited, supported Ssekyanzi’s statements and highlighted the companies’ ongoing collaboration with the government.
“As a company, we have always worked closely with the Ministry of Works and Transport to ensure the continuous availability of number plates for Ugandans,” Puri said. “We are confident in our ability to meet demand once long-term contracts are in place. Aligning our production cycles with government timelines is crucial to avoiding future supply disruptions.”
Puri also reassured the public of ABC Limited’s dedication to high standards of service delivery.
“Our commitment to quality and timely delivery remains unwavering,” Puri affirmed. “We take great pride in serving the nation, and we will continue to do so as we have for decades.”
Both Ssekyanzi and Puri called on the government to consider establishing longer-term contracts to provide stability and avoid future supply gaps, ensuring that all stakeholders can plan effectively.
GM Tumpeco and ABC Limited remain dedicated to maintaining a consistent supply of vehicle number plates and are confident in their ability to serve Uganda reliably and efficiently, as they have for more than 24 years.
