KAMPALA, Uganda— Uganda’s rollout of new “digital” number plates is facing sharp criticism amid reports that stolen vehicles remain untraceable, raising serious questions about the system’s effectiveness and the capacity of the Russian contractor implementing it.
Motorcycle owners, particularly those in the public service sector, have voiced alarm over the inability to track stolen bikes equipped with the new plates, contradicting claims of enhanced security. “We were promised these plates would prevent theft,” said John Ssemakula, a Kampala-based boda boda rider who reported his vehicle stolen. “But it’s gone, and the police say they can’t trace it. What’s the point of this system?”
Critics allege the system’s failure stems from a flawed information exchange network, with delays and breakdowns in transmitting incident reports to the central command center.
“The information simply isn’t reaching where it needs to go,” said a traffic police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. “There’s a serious disconnect between the field and the would be control room.”
The Joint Stock Company Globel Security (JSC), the Russian firm awarded the 10-year contract to install the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System, is facing mounting scrutiny over its competence.
Industry insiders including top government officials allege that JSC is not a manufacturer but rather a brokerage firm that imports the number plates from Poland, raising concerns about the system’s long-term sustainability and quality control.
“They have no capacity to manufacture these plates,” said a top official with knowledge of the contract, who requested anonymity. “They are simply middlemen, importing plates from elsewhere. This is not the kind of technological advancement we were promised.”
The awarding of the contract to JSC has also drawn criticism for sidelining local manufacturer Tumpeco, owned by prominent businessman Gordon Wavamunno.
Tumpeco, which had previously produced number plates for Uganda, was reportedly excluded from the process, fueling accusations of unfair competition and a lack of support for local businesses.
It had the capacity and the experience to produce better plates,” added an inider. “It’s disappointing that a foreign company with questionable credentials was chosen instead.”
The rollout, which began in November 2023 with government vehicles and expanded to motorcycles in November 2024, has been plagued by delays and logistical challenges. Motorists have complained of lengthy wait times for their plates and a lack of transparency in the payment and issuance process.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the “digital” nature of the plates themselves.
Experts argue that the system lacks real-time tracking capabilities, unlike more advanced systems used in other countries.
“These plates are not truly digital in the way they are being marketed,” said an automotive technology analyst, who asked not to be identified. “They are essentially just standard plates with a chip, which does not provide the kind of tracking functionality that is needed to prevent theft.”
The controversy has also reignited concerns about the cost of the plates and potential privacy implications.
Sources revealed that the digital number plates being issued have not yet been integrated with the closed circuit television camera with demand.
