Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-19 09:26:01
The government has decided to delay the mass installation of digital number plates on private vehicles until July 1, as reported by this publication. Originally scheduled to start on February 1 after an official launch in Kampala last year, the exercise has been postponed for several reasons.
Ms Susan Kataike, the Ministry of Works and Transport spokesperson, cited logistical issues as one of the reasons for the delay. She also mentioned the ongoing sanctions on Russia as a contributing factor. Russia has been facing sanctions from Western nations for the past two years due to its invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, the government aims to use this extra time for more extensive sensitization efforts across the country and to address concerns regarding the verification process.
Some private sector entities, including the Kampala City Traders Association (Kacita), raised concerns about the digital number plate project. Last year, Kacita petitioned Parliament to investigate inconsistencies in the project, such as the lack of installation centers, the absence of a local factory to manufacture the plates, and the need for a nationwide sensitization campaign.
Internal Affairs Minister Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire also expressed reservations about the exercise during a parliamentary probe in August last year. Questions were raised about which government officials signed the contract with the Russian company, Joint Stock Company Global Security, for the provision of digital number plates. President Museveni has stated that the project aims to track criminals who use vehicles and motorcycles.
Currently, the government is focused on installing digital number plates on government vehicles. This process began in November last year and is taking place at the Works ministry offices in Kampala and in Kawempe, a suburb of Kampala where the contractors have set up a fitting center.
Once the mass enrollment exercise begins, new vehicle and motorcycle owners will be required to pay Shs714,000 for new registration. Swapping existing plates will cost Shs150,000 for motor vehicles and Shs50,000 for motorcycles.
The digital plates’ tracking system works by verifying the car owner’s details in the log book before allocating and fitting the number plate. Once installed, a technical team from the police headquarters can monitor the vehicle’s movements in real-time through the Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS). This system allows for tracking through onboard tracking devices and transmitters in the number plates. The installation process typically takes between 30 minutes to one hour.
In conclusion, the government is taking measures to ensure a smooth and efficient rollout of digital number plates on private vehicles, with a focus on addressing concerns, sensitizing the public, and enhancing security through better tracking capabilities.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
