The government of Uganda has announced that mass installation exercise of digital numbers on cars under the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) will resume on November 1.
The exercise was expected to start on February 1, 2024, following a directive made by the government during the official launch of the plates in Kampala last year on November 1. It was then postponed to July 1, 2024.
But on Thursday, Security Minister Jim Muhwezi and his Works counterpart, Gen Katumba Wamala, said adequate preparations have been made to enable the exercise start on November 1.
The exercise starts with new motorcycles before a full rollout for the other cars and motorcycles on January 6, 2025.
“It’s important to note that a full installation kit comprises the following components; Two aluminium registration plates for the front and the back, a Tracker, a Sim-chip, Two Blue tooth beacons for both front and back and snap locks for both front and back,” Muhwezi said.
He said as the government plans for the establishment of a factory, the service provider has set up a facility at Kawempe for the local production of registration plates and has installed four hot stamping machines, four embossment machines, and will soon receive blank plates and hot stomping materials with security features.
“Construction of fitment centers at Mutukula and Malaba border points is also ongoing,” Muhwezi said.
It has been 2 years and 10 months since an agreement was signed between the Government and Joint Stock Global Security Company to deliver the project.
Muhwezi said the objectives of the ITMS are to ease recognition of vehicles used by criminals to carry out crimes in the country to enable quick and timely response by the security, traffic management and enhance revenue collection through the issuance of traffic tickets.
“The new solution provides for tracking of all vehicles in real-time on the ITMS Platform at the Police Command Centers of Naguru and Nateete to allow the Government of Uganda trace and resolve vehicle criminals/traffic offenders as and when required,” he said.
Motor vehicle ownership in Uganda stood at 2,145,988 million vehicles as of 3rd July 2024.
By 26th June 2024, a total 1,091 vehicles from various ministries had been fitted with the new registration plates.
Currently at the facility are 107,014 registration plates along with 3,662, and 17,679 BLE beacons, with more components expected in the country in the next few weeks.