Digital Plates Service provider responds to public concerns

As the country transitions away from the conventional car registration number plates that have been in use for over a century, the public has pointed out a number of glitches that require attention. The Joint Stock Company, Global Security (JSC), a Russian company, was awarded a 10-year contract to install an Intelligent Transport Monitoring System. First, all preliminary work was carried out. Many pieces of equipment, including camera systems, fiber-optic data transmission lines, and equipment for Command centers to facilitate rapid decision-making, were installed to monitor and record traffic violations on Uganda's roads. Additionally, training for traffic control personnel was organized, and police officers were equipped with the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively. Furthermore, advanced software incorporating artificial intelligence technologies was deployed, which will significantly enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies and expedite crime detection. Then, the first phase of installations was on November 1, 2023, with the issuance of new registration plates for government vehicles, followed by the second phase on November 1, 2024, with the issuance of new registration plates for motorcycles. The exchange plates is expected to go on, even as more motorists continue to book theirs. However, some motorcycle owners, especially those classified as Passenger Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), have expressed concern over stolen motorcycles that cannot be traced. Post-registered motorcycle owners are keen on identifying procedures to be followed as they migrate to new number plates.

Some motorcycle owners, especially those classified as PSVs, have expressed concern over stolen motorcycles that cannot be traced

Speaking to the media recently, JSC’s top management reiterated its commitment to responding to all related queries in regards to new registration number plates. According to them, the problem with boda bodas that were stolen and not promptly found even after they were issued new registration plates with monitoring devices is the imperfection of the information exchange system. It can take a very long time for the incident report from Police officer from the scene of incident to reach the command center. Or it may be that such a report will not reach the command center at all. Clear protocols and regulations are needed that would allow police officers on the ground to immediately report an incident to the command center when they receive information about it. The company further states that for quick action, cases of stolen motorcycles must be reported as theft cases to the Police immediately, as is the normal procedure. "As service providers, we work closely with the Police, assist them, and provide them with the tools, but we cannot do their work. We don't collect the monitoring data; it is stored at Police data centres, which use them to monitor the vehicles. And we are sure the Police will do everything to find the stolen motorcycles. We will provide the Police with all the necessary assistance," a source from JSC says. The infrastructure for CCTV cameras on roads and streets should also be used to detect stolen motorcycles and motor vehicles. Therefore, owners of vehicles equipped with new license plate sets must carefully take care of their vehicles' safety. Report any incidents to the Police immediately. Infrastructure created within the ITMS project significantly reduces the likelihood of theft and also significantly increases the likelihood of finding a vehicle. This is the next, and no less important part of the ITMS project — a significant expansion of the network of CCTV cameras. The company is ready to undertake the fastest possible deployment of such a network because it understands how important this element of the project is. New number plates are part of the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) interfaced with the Police. Vehicle and motorcycle owners migrating to digital systems for post-registered motorcycles and motor vehicles must be armed with the necessary information on how it works. HOW TO APPLY The Ministry of Works and Transport said the first category of vehicles entering the country for first-time registration is those that clear taxes at the points of entry of Mombasa or Dar Salaam. It said this category has the privilege of entering the country with a vehicle fitted with a new registration plate at the Uganda border point and a log book. All one needs to do is to log onto the booking system portal. itms.ug immediately after taxes are cleared," it said on its website. The ministry also said this category is for those who bring vehicles to bonded warehouses and thereafter clear taxes. After clearing taxes and all assessments are done on the Uganda Revenue Authority portal, including those done by the Motor Vehicle Registration of the Ministry of Works and Transport, the client will go to the portal.itms.ug and make a booking for the New Registration Plates. "After confirmation, the client will choose the location and time for the registration plate's fitment, and the service will be brought to you," it said.

The names of applicants of digital number plates for motorcycles and motor vehicles must match the original number plates

1. Motorcycles and vehicles with unsettled instant penalty fines under the Express Penalty Scheme (EPS) from the Police will not be exchanged with new plates before payment.
2. The system does not tolerate any form of corruption that involves clearing a car or motorcycle with unresolved issues.
3. Applicants seeking a new registration number for post-registered motorcycles and motor vehicles should use the remaining period to resolve all liabilities. Such motorcycles and motor vehicles must also be in proper mechanical condition and have updated logbooks that ascertain their roadworthiness and documentation.
4. The names of applicants for new number plates for motorcycles and motor vehicles must match the original number plates.
5. Issued new registration will not resemble existing number plates and will be picked randomly. lThose intending to get personalized new registration number plates for motorcycles and motor vehicles must pay the usual fee set by the Government.
6. Late payment is sh50,000 for the exchange. lIssued new registration number plates for both motorcycles and motor vehicles were designed based on international standards. The Government rolled out the third phase of the ITMS project on January 6, targeting vehicles entering the country for first-time registration.
7. The cost for registration at Malaba and Mutukula border entry points is sh714,300, according to the Works and Transport Ministry.
8. ITMS project is expected to transform the transport sector and fight crime associated with motor vehicles and motorcycles.