MPs Verify Digital Number Plate Tracking System

What the report says

Members of Parliament in Uganda have confirmed, after a practical demonstration at the Police Command Centre in Naguru, that the country’s digital number plate system can track vehicles. The inspection was carried out by the Committee on Physical Infrastructure, led by chairperson Mwine Mpaka, following earlier hearings in which lawmakers questioned whether the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System was working as intended.

The visit came after stakeholders raised concerns about delays in issuing plates, production capacity, project costs and the security benefits of the system. Police Director of ICT AIGP Felix Baryamwisaki told MPs that police had recovered 337 of 375 stolen motor vehicles tracked through the system, while recovery of motorcycles was lower. He also said the technology relies on GPS tracking rather than cameras. MPs then asked for a live demonstration at Naguru, including a review of how data is handled and stored.

After the demonstration, MPs said they had established that both cars and motorbikes can be tracked, though they still want improvements to the system. The committee also continues to review the project’s cost, the contractor’s capacity and implementation challenges. Parliament’s scrutiny follows concerns over the role of Russia-based Joint Stock Company Global Security, which signed a 10-year agreement with government in 2021 to implement the project.

The broader review matters because the digital plate programme affects motorists, vehicle dealers and transport-related businesses. The committee is expected to use its inspections and hearings to make recommendations on how the system can be improved while addressing public concerns about delays, affordability and rollout.