Digital Number Plate Delays Threaten Motor Vehicle Dealers

What the report says

Motor vehicle dealers in Uganda say delays in issuing digital number plates are disrupting their businesses, creating higher costs, missed contracts and slower sales. According to Nile Post, the issue is affecting firms that need the plates before they can hand over vehicles to customers, with some dealerships reportedly forced to refund clients after failing to meet delivery deadlines.

The Associated Motor Vehicle Dealers, through publicity secretary Marvin Ayebare, said the process that once took about a day can now stretch into weeks or months. The group says the backlog is growing as the government continues its transition from the old registration system to digital plates, and it estimates that about 2.2 million vehicles still need to be migrated.

The dealers also question whether the current production pace can handle that volume. Nile Post reported their claim that only about 100 plates are being produced per day, which they say would take many years to clear the backlog. They also criticized the cost of the plates, saying the official fee of about Shs714,300 is too high and that added expenses are being passed on to consumers.

The dealers are urging the government to review pricing, speed up issuance and provide clearer timelines for motorists. The dispute highlights broader concerns about how a major vehicle-registration upgrade is being managed and how delays can ripple through the wider auto trade.