The government’s goal of ending crime and theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles through the introduction of the Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) is gradually gaining momentum, as Ugandans transition to the new system mandated by the Ministry of Works and Transport.
The initiative is aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability, making it easier to track and monitor vehicles, with the hope of curbing vehicle-related crimes, improving traffic management, and increasing government revenue.
While appearing before the Physical Infrastructure Committee of Parliament, chaired by Dan Kimosho, Commissioner of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Winston Katushabe, revealed that despite the ongoing war between Iran and Israel affecting the delivery of chips used in digital number plates, Ugandans have started embracing the system, with the majority being motorcyclists.
“Ever since the system was introduced a few years ago, I am glad to inform honorable members that we have installed digital number plates on 218,781 motorcycles and 71,472 motor vehicles,” said Katushabe.
He further dismissed social media reports alleging theft of digitalized number plates and urged Ugandans to report such cases to the police.
“When these digital number plates are stolen, always report to the police because the system is connected directly to the Police Command Center, which detects and sends a signal to the police for easy tracking of the vehicle,” Katushabe said.
According to the program from the Ministry of Works and Transport, the rollout of new number plates was planned in three phases: starting with government vehicles, then newly registered ones, and finally the old ones already on the road.
Acquiring a digital number plate will cost Shs714,300, while changing an existing number plate will cost Shs150,000.
