Damir Makhmutov, project manager for the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) at Joint Stock Company Global Security, testified before a parliamentary committee that the firm has the capacity to install 1,500 digital number plates daily, despite delays affecting Uganda’s vehicle registration process. Makhmutov acknowledged government concerns over the backlog, citing global shipping disruptions—including conflicts diverting vessels from the Red Sea and Suez Canal—as a key factor. As of September 23, the company had completed 1,307 installations, according to his statement. The UN Trade and Development Conference has noted that such disruptions extend delivery times, increase costs, and reduce reliability for imported materials, though the committee has yet to confirm which specific shipments were affected. Parliamentary scrutiny of the ITMS project intensified as lawmakers questioned the contractor’s ability to meet an August deadline to clear the backlog. Richard Mubiru, chair of the Uganda Manufacturers Association, called for a review of the firm’s exclusive 10-year agreement with the government, while committee chair Mwine Mpaka emphasized the need to verify whether the system’s security features justify its costs. The committee also sought clarification from the Ministry of Internal Affairs on the functionality of the monitoring system, which uses tracking technology to aid in vehicle recovery and theft investigations. Police officials reiterated the importance of timely reporting for stolen vehicles, with Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire and police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke urging citizens to notify authorities immediately. Rusoke highlighted that prompt reporting enhances the effectiveness of the ITMS, enabling faster responses and improving recovery rates. Meanwhile, motor vehicle dealers have alleged bribery in the digital plate issuance process, while businesses face financial losses due to the delays, according to previous reports. The parliamentary committee is set to conclude its inquiry and present findings to Parliament, with ongoing pressure to resolve the backlog and ensure transparency in the ITMS implementation. The situation underscores broader challenges in balancing technological upgrades with logistical and administrative hurdles, as Uganda seeks to modernize its transport infrastructure amid global supply chain instability.
Damir Makhmutov, project manager for the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) at Joint Stock Company Global Security, testified before a parliamentary committee that the firm has the capacity to install 1,500 digital number plates daily, despite delays affecting Uganda’s vehicle registration process. Makhmutov acknowledged government concerns over the backlog, citing global shipping disruptions—including conflicts diverting vessels from the Red Sea and Suez Canal—as a key factor. As of September 23, the company had completed 1,307 installations, according to his statement. The UN Trade and Development Conference has noted that such disruptions extend delivery times, increase costs, and reduce reliability for imported materials, though the committee has yet to confirm which specific shipments were affected. Parliamentary scrutiny of the ITMS project intensified as lawmakers questioned the contractor’s ability to meet an August deadline to clear the backlog. Richard Mubiru, chair of the Uganda Manufacturers Association, called for a review of the firm’s exclusive 10-year agreement with the government, while committee chair Mwine Mpaka emphasized the need to verify whether the system’s security features justify its costs. The committee also sought clarification from the Ministry of Internal Affairs on the functionality of the monitoring system, which uses tracking technology to aid in vehicle recovery and theft investigations. Police officials reiterated the importance of timely reporting for stolen vehicles, with Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire and police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke urging citizens to notify authorities immediately. Rusoke highlighted that prompt reporting enhances the effectiveness of the ITMS, enabling faster responses and improving recovery rates. Meanwhile, motor vehicle dealers have alleged bribery in the digital plate issuance process, while businesses face financial losses due to the delays, according to previous reports. The parliamentary committee is set to conclude its inquiry and present findings to Parliament, with ongoing pressure to resolve the backlog and ensure transparency in the ITMS implementation. The situation underscores broader challenges in balancing technological upgrades with logistical and administrative hurdles, as Uganda seeks to modernize its transport infrastructure amid global supply chain instability.
Uganda's Digital Number Plate Delays: Russian Contractor Claims 1,500 Daily Installations Amid Global Shipping Crises
A Russian contractor overseeing Uganda's digital number plate initiative claims it can install 1,500 plates daily despite global shipping disruptions causing delays, as parliamentary committees investigate the backlog's impact on businesses and public services.