news 6 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Government Eyes Direct Vehicle Registration, Cutting Out Agents
Uganda's Ministry of Works and Transport is proposing reforms to eliminate car agents and middlemen in the vehicle registration process, aiming to streamline operations and curb delays. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-moves-to-eliminate-car-agents-in-vehicle-registration-5449482
The Ugandan government is considering a significant overhaul of its vehicle registration system, with the potential to remove intermediaries like car agents. This move is intended to address persistent delays, opaque charges, and alleged exploitation faced by motorists.
The proposed reforms were discussed in a recent meeting involving the Works and Transport Minister, vehicle dealers, clearing agents, and officials from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS).
Officials expressed concern that some agents deliberately slow down the registration process after receiving payments, causing frustration for vehicle owners seeking digital number plates. “We are here to make our system smooth and iron out any shortfalls,” stated Minister Edward Katumba Wamala, encouraging stakeholders to voice areas needing improvement.
According to Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety Winstone Katushabe, a substantial number of delays are attributed to agents failing to complete necessary procedures. “Out of the 77,410 cars that were released, 95% of these cars are worked on within eight hours. However, the blame is on clearing agents, who fail to complete required processes and deliberately delay their clients for financial gain,” he explained.
Data presented indicated that over 1,338 vehicles have been pending registration for more than two months due to errors made by agents and clearing firms. This often results in unjustified fees for motorists and extended waiting periods.
The Ministry is exploring a more direct system where motorists and dealers can manage applications themselves via the Motor Vehicle Registration portal, enhancing transparency and allowing individuals to track their applications.
In parallel, ITMS confirmed that its production capacity has increased, with daily output of about 2,500 number plate kits. The aim is to achieve same-day number plate installation for fully cleared vehicles by the end of the year, with 84 percent of registrations currently completed within 24 hours.
These planned reforms are expected to generate debate within the industry, but the government maintains they are crucial for improving efficiency, combating corruption, and rebuilding public trust in the registration process.