KAMPALA — Uganda Police, working with the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), has recorded a vehicle recovery rate of more than 90 percent during the latest reporting period, highlighting the growing impact of technology in combating vehicle theft and supporting criminal investigations.
According to data from the Police Command Centre, 37 vehicle-related incidents were reported during the month under review.
Of these, 34 cases were successfully resolved, with all 34 stolen vehicles recovered and returned to their owners.
The figures underscore the increasing effectiveness of ITMS, a technology-driven platform that integrates digital number plates, tracking capabilities and advanced monitoring systems to support law enforcement operations across the country.
Speaking during the weekly police media briefing, Police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma said the programme was already delivering tangible results and strengthening the force’s capacity to respond to crime.
“Positive results have been registered under the programme,” Kituuma said, adding that police would provide more comprehensive data on the system’s performance in the future.
The ITMS was introduced by the government as part of broader efforts to improve road safety, enhance vehicle monitoring and strengthen the ability of security agencies to investigate and respond to crime.
The system enables authorities to track vehicles in real time and quickly identify suspicious movements, making it a valuable asset in the fight against vehicle theft.
“The number plate registration system, which has tracking capabilities, is something we can discuss in greater detail another day together with the Ministry of Works and Transport and the service provider. There are many success stories emerging from the project,” Kituuma noted.
Police officials say the system has become an important tool not only for traffic management but also for public security, particularly in tracing stolen vehicles and gathering evidence during criminal investigations.
Kituuma emphasized that while technology has enhanced policing capabilities, public cooperation remains essential to achieving successful outcomes.
“When people report in time, it enables police to respond to scenes of crime promptly,” he said.
“There is a likelihood of finding and apprehending suspects at the scene. There is also a high chance that police can prevent the commission of an offence before it is completed.”
According to police, timely reporting allows investigators to secure crime scenes before they are compromised, preserve critical evidence and deploy specialized units such as police canine teams more effectively.
“If police receive information early enough, we are likely to reach the scene before it is tampered with,” Kituuma added.
Officials also credited operators at the Uganda Police Command Centre for improving the speed and accuracy of incident response through effective use of the system.
The operators have become increasingly proficient in monitoring vehicle movements and utilizing ITMS capabilities to support field operations.
The latest results build on a broader trend of success associated with the technology. Police say ITMS assisted in the recovery of more than 50 stolen vehicles in 2025 alone.
In one notable case, investigators reportedly used the system’s tracking capabilities to trace a vehicle linked to the murder of businessman Anthony Mutinisa, demonstrating its value beyond routine theft investigations.
The government began rolling out the digital number plate project to address growing concerns over vehicle-related crime, improve traffic management and support national security objectives.
Authorities have argued that the technology provides a faster and more reliable way to identify vehicles involved in criminal activity, while also strengthening accountability on the roads.
As coverage of the system expands and coordination between the public, police and ITMS teams improves, authorities expect recovery rates to increase further.
Security experts, however, note that sustaining the gains will require continued investment in infrastructure, officer training and cybersecurity safeguards to ensure the system remains reliable and resistant to abuse.
Despite these challenges, the latest figures suggest that technology is increasingly transforming policing in Uganda by improving response times, strengthening investigations and enhancing public safety.
Police officials maintain that technology works best when citizens actively cooperate with law enforcement by promptly reporting suspicious incidents and vehicle thefts.
“Technology does not replace police officers; it enhances their ability to prevent crime, improve response times and deliver effective law enforcement,” officials said.
Authorities have therefore urged vehicle owners and members of the public to report thefts and suspicious activities immediately, noting that rapid reporting combined with intelligent monitoring technology significantly increases the chances of recovering stolen property and apprehending offenders.