Uganda digital number plate procurement controversy

Uganda’s Parliament has launched an investigation into the rollout of the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), a $25 million project involving a contract with the Russia-based Joint Stock Company Global Security. Initial inquiries focused on production shortages, with daily output dropping from 350 to approximately 100 sets, causing delays for motorists and an estimated weekly tax revenue loss of Shs4 billion. Stakeholders, including the Uganda Manufacturers Association, criticized the foreign firm’s monopoly for sidelining local manufacturers and failing to prevent forged plates. Transport sector representatives also noted high costs for users, such as boda boda riders, and instances of citizens paying for plates without receiving them.

The situation escalated as the Uganda Law Society petitioned Parliament to declare the agreement void, alleging that the procurement process bypassed legal requirements for public-private partnerships and violated competition and privacy laws. Concerns were also raised regarding technical compatibility, with Minister Kahinda Otafiire noting that the Russian technology is incompatible with existing Chinese-made surveillance cameras used by police. Additionally, officials questioned the system’s reliability and the exclusion of the Uganda Police Force from the procurement process.

The Parliamentary Committee on Physical Infrastructure has since interrogated 19 stakeholders and is seeking a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni before presenting its final report. While the Auditor General has begun examining transactions, government officials have defended the system. Security Minister Jim Muhwezi highlighted the technology’s ability to track vehicles across borders, noting a 90 percent recovery rate for reported stolen motor vehicles, though motorcycle recovery rates remain low.