Mutukula

The government has announced a revised timeline for the introduction of digital number plates. During a recent appearance before the Parliament’s Infrastructure Committee, Security Minister Gen Jim Muhwezi revealed that the rollout of these digital plates is now scheduled for either October or late November. The initial launch, which was initially planned for July, faced delays due to unexpected logistical challenges encountered by the project implementer, M/s Joint Stock Company Global Security (JSCGS).

Gen Muhwezi clarified that the introduction of the digital number plates will commence within the Kampala Metropolitan Area. This decision is based on the rationale that this area witnesses a substantial amount of criminal activity. The cost associated with registering and equipping vehicles with digital trackers is set at Shs714,300. Additionally, vehicle owners will incur fees of Shs150,000 for replacing old registration plates, while motorcycle owners will be charged Shs50,000.

The delay in implementation was also seen as an opportunity to adequately inform the public and relevant stakeholders about the upcoming changes. To facilitate this process, the government has developed a comprehensive communication strategy.

The installation of digital plates will be conducted in collaboration with authorized car bonds. Both temporary and mobile fitment facilities will be established in bonded warehouses, ensuring accessibility even in areas without fixed setups. The government is also taking steps to regulate and train garage operators to ensure proper procedures for the attachment and removal of these plates.

To cater to various regions, JSCGS is setting up fitment facilities, particularly near border points. Notable locations for these facilities include Jinja, Arua, Malaba, Mutukula, Mbale, Fort Portal, Mbarara, Busia, Gulu, Kabale, and Hoima.

Additionally, the government will introduce new alphabetical codes for government-owned vehicles, as the current system has exhausted its available characters for identifying different government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

This initiative to implement digital number plates traces back to a memorandum of understanding signed in 2019 between the government and the Russian-based company, JSCGS. The primary goal of this effort is to tackle and mitigate vehicle-related crimes, particularly those involving motorcycles.