Uganda launched a third phase of its digital number plate project, starting January 6, 2025, focusing on vehicles entering the country for first-time registration, with the goal of enhancing security and better traffic management.
The Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) project, which includes digital number plates, was launched in November 2023.
The rollout has been phased, starting with government vehicles, then motorcycles and tricycles in November 2024, and now focusing on private and public motor vehicles.
The digital number plates are intended to track vehicles involved in criminal activities and improve traffic management.
Vehicles entering the country for first-time registration are fitted with digital number plates at Malaba and Mutukula border entry points.
The digital plates incorporate RFID chips and QR codes for vehicle and owner information, making them traceable and difficult to counterfeit.
Implementation:
The system involves real-time vehicle tracking on the ITMS platform, monitored by police command centers.
Cost:
The cost for fitting digital plates for newly registered vehicles is UGX 714,000, while those switching from old plates to the new ones will pay UGX 150,000, and motorcycle registration will cost UGX 50,000.
Project Launch:The Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) project, which includes digital number plates, was launched in November 2023.
Phased Rollout:The rollout has been phased, starting with government vehicles, then motorcycles and tricycles in November 2024, and now focusing on private and public motor vehicles.
Purpose:The digital number plates are intended to track vehicles involved in criminal activities and improve traffic management.
Key Features:The digital plates incorporate RFID chips and QR codes for vehicle and owner information, making them traceable and difficult to counterfeit.
Implementation:The system involves real-time vehicle tracking on the ITMS platform, monitored by police command centers.
Cost:The cost for fitting digital plates for newly registered vehicles is UGX 714,000, while those switching from old plates to the new ones will pay UGX 150,000, and motorcycle registration will cost UGX 50,000.
Digital registration plates are designed with multiple security features to prevent counterfeiting and ensure vehicle identification. One of the key components is a QR code, which provides an additional layer of security and verification.
Number Plate Security Features: Unique serial number
Country code (“UG” for Uganda)
Verification number to authenticate the number plate
QR code for secure vehicle identification and verification
GPS tracker for real-time tracking and recovery
Importance of the Number Plate:
Vehicle Identification:
The number plate serves as a unique identifier for each vehicle, making it easier to track and verify ownership.
Security:The security features, including the QR code, prevent counterfeiting and ensure the authenticity of the number plate.
Law Enforcement: The number plate provides critical information for law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes, support in tracking stolen vehicles, and maintain public safety.
Compliance:The number plate ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, making it easier for vehicle owners to register and insure their vehicles.
