The Police have leveraged the country’s new transport monitoring system to trace a vehicle linked to the murder of businessman Anthony Mutinisa, leading to the arrest of two suspects in Kanungu District.
Mutinisa, 53, was shot dead on August 25, 2025, and his black Toyota Land Cruiser V8, registration UA 769 BQ, was stolen by the alleged killer.
The main suspect, 28-year-old private security guard Hillary Byaruhanga, fled the scene with the vehicle.
He was later arrested alongside his accomplice, Mark Akampa, after police used the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) to track the car’s movements.
“We activated the system as soon as we received the report. Within hours, the car was located in Katwe Cell, Kihihi Town Council, where our team recovered it and arrested the suspects,” said a senior officer at Police Headquarters.
Officials highlighted that the system allowed them to trace the stolen vehicle’s route in real time and identify every stop it made, illustrating how technology is reshaping criminal investigations in Uganda.
“This is a textbook case of how modern technology tools can transform enforcement. It has given us a new level of precision and speed in responding to crime,” another senior officer said.
How the Smart System Works
The ITMS, a flagship project under the Ministry of Works and Transport, was developed in partnership with the Uganda Police Force and JSC GS.
It incorporates new number plates embedded with electronic chips and Bluetooth beacons linked to a central command center.
Any tampering with a vehicle’s plate triggers an instant alert, allowing authorities to track its movements.
The system integrates Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, satellite networks, and CCTV infrastructure feeding into regional and national control rooms.
“We were stunned by the system’s capabilities and its role in supporting law enforcement efforts,” said a ministry official.
“This technology is transforming how we respond to car thefts, smuggling, and even violent crime.”
Murder and Crime Statistics in Uganda
Mutinisa’s killing comes amid high homicide rates. According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2024, 4,329 homicide cases were recorded nationwide, representing about 1.9% of all reported crimes.
On average, 25 people are killed every day in Uganda, including murders, manslaughter, and aggravated assaults. The country’s homicide rate stands at 11 per 100,000 people, one of the highest in East Africa.
Police attribute many killings to domestic violence, armed robbery, land disputes, and crimes of passion, but note that digital systems are helping detect and deter offenses more quickly.
“Technology is a force multiplier. It saves time, reduces guesswork, and increases accountability. The days when criminals could drive off and disappear are ending,” a senior investigator said.
A Technological Turning Point
The success in tracking Mutinisa’s killers marks a major milestone in Uganda’s efforts to modernize law enforcement.
Officials say the system will be expanded nationwide, covering all vehicles by 2026, to improve traffic management, public safety, and national security.
In 2025 alone, the ITMS helped the Uganda Police Force recover 32 stolen cars and 13 motorcycles.
“This operation demonstrates how innovation can deliver justice,” said a police official.
