Home News Digital Plates for Private Vehicles in Uganda to Begin Issuance on Monday

Digital Plates for Private Vehicles in Uganda to Begin Issuance on Monday

by NBridget
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In a significant move towards enhancing road safety and combating vehicle-related crimes, the Ugandan government is set to begin the issuance of digital registration plates for private and public motor vehicles starting this Monday, January 6, 2025.

The rollout of the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), which includes these digital number plates, has been in the works for several years. The initiative, aimed at curbing crime and improving traffic management, involves equipping all vehicles with plates embedded with security chips that can communicate with a central monitoring system for real-time tracking.

The cost for new vehicle owners will be set at UGX 714,000, while those switching from old to new registration plates will pay UGX 150,000 for motor vehicles and UGX 50,000 for motorcycles. This pricing has been a point of contention, with some arguing that it represents a significant financial burden on vehicle owners, particularly in the private sector.

The ITMS project has faced several delays due to logistical challenges and public concerns about privacy and cost. However, with the government’s commitment to security enhancements and after extensive public sensitization, the rollout is now poised to proceed. The initiative began with government vehicles in November 2023, then moved to motorcycles in November 2024, and now extends to private vehicles.

For those transitioning from the old plates, a grace period of 30 days has been provided for collecting the previous plates from existing suppliers before the new system takes full effect. After this period, vehicle owners will need to reapply for duplicate plates under the new regime.

The digital plates are designed to provide several benefits:

  • Crime Reduction: By enabling quick and effective tracking of vehicles involved in criminal activities.
  • Traffic Management: Through efficient ticketing and revenue collection.
  • Safety: By deterring reckless driving through constant monitoring.

Despite these promised advantages, there have been criticisms and concerns raised by various stakeholders, including privacy issues and the high cost of implementation. Civil society organizations have expressed worries about the potential for government surveillance and the integration of these plates with other databases like CCTV systems.

The government has tried to address these concerns by ensuring that the system complies with national laws on data protection and by highlighting the security benefits that outweigh the privacy concerns. The project has been described as a necessary step towards modernizing Uganda’s transport system and enhancing national security.

As Uganda moves forward with this digital transformation, it remains to be seen how the public will adapt to these changes and whether the benefits will be realized as intended. The rollout of digital plates starting Monday marks a pivotal moment in Uganda’s efforts to leverage technology for better governance and security.

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