The Uganda Traffic Police have cautioned vehicle owners against delaying ownership transfers, emphasizing the upcoming introduction of digital number plates and an e-ticketing system that will strictly enforce vehicle registration compliance.
According to Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura, some previous vehicle owners have been hindering the transfer process by demanding payment from current owners before releasing ownership details.
However, under the new system, ownership transfers will be mandatory.
“With the introduction of digital number plates and e-ticketing, transferring vehicle ownership is now a requirement. Traffic tickets will be directly linked to the registered owner, and driving a vehicle not registered in your name will be a punishable offense,” Kananura stated.
He urged previous owners to cooperate with buyers to facilitate a smooth transfer process and avoid legal consequences.
Current owners were also advised to complete ownership transfers promptly to prevent penalties and complications from outstanding traffic violations linked to the registered owner.
The new digital number plate system aims to improve traffic management and security by enhancing accountability and reducing vehicle-related fraud.
While the Traffic Police have not announced a compliance deadline, they warned that enforcement will be strict once the system is fully implemented.
Authorities have emphasized that previous owners must cooperate in transferring ownership to avoid legal action and should ensure their vehicles are registered in their names to avoid fines or other legal complications.
The Traffic Police urged all motorists to begin the transition immediately to avoid last-minute challenges once the system is operational.
The digital number plates, embedded with an Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), will automatically detect and report traffic violations, particularly in urban centers and along highways.
These advanced plates are more than just identifiers; they incorporate artificial intelligence, GPS, Bluetooth, and machine learning capabilities.
The system integrates security cameras and real-time data transmission to detect violations and track criminal activity.
Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), the system captures vehicle plates and relays images to a control center at police headquarters in Naguru.
It can detect offenses such as speeding,running red lights and failing to stop at zebra crossings.
Once a violation is recorded, the system instantly sends notices and fines to vehicle owners via email or phone.
Future upgrades will include facial recognition technology to track offenders, further strengthening law enforcement capabilities.