The Ugandan government has officially rolled out digital number plates, a major initiative aimed at bolstering road safety and curbing criminal activities related to motor vehicles. This move comes three years after President Yoweri Museveni's directive authorized the Russian firm, Joint Stock Company Global Security, to implement a compulsory digital surveillance system.
The Ministry of Works and Transport, in collaboration with the Ministry of Security, has entered into a 10-year agreement with the Russian company to install digital tracking chips in all registered automobile number plates. This initiative is part of the Intelligent Transport Management Systems (ITMS) program.
Jim Muhwezi, the Minister of Security, emphasized that the new digital number plates will play a crucial role in addressing a range of issues, including overspeeding, vehicle-related criminal activities, and theft. The Intelligent Transport Monitoring System will work in tandem with a network of cameras and sensors to monitor traffic flow, track vehicles, and detect incidents in real-time, ultimately making the roads safer for everyone.
Minister General Katumba Wamala, speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Ministry of Works and Transport, underscored the primary objective of the system: enhancing safety and control over motor-vehicle-related criminality. He called on all citizens to support these initiatives, emphasizing that their collaboration is essential in making the country a safer place for everyone.
