transport 6 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Transport Minister Cracks Down on Digital Plate Delays, Orders One-Hour Registration
Uganda's Works and Transport Minister Gen Katumba Wamala has demanded immediate reforms to the troubled digital number plate rollout, targeting a reduction in vehicle registration time from eight hours to one hour. The directives aim to end excuses, fix logistical issues, and clear backlogs frustrating motorists and car dealers. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/no-more-excuses-minister-orders-overhaul-of-delayed-digital-plate-system-5449048
Uganda’s government is accelerating the rollout of digital number plates under the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), following a high-level meeting in Kampala on May 5, 2026. Works and Transport Minister Gen Katumba Wamala criticized agencies for finger-pointing and inefficiencies, vowing to implement solutions for faster service.
The minister rejected excuses like supply disruptions from Middle East conflicts, offering logistical support including special flights if needed. He compared the goal to the 45-minute driving license process, emphasizing urgency.
Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety, Wistone Katushabe, announced plans for a new digital system to slash registration from eight hours to one hour. This includes addressing internet outages, application errors from untrained staff, and payment verification delays up to four days.
Digital plates feature QR codes and RFID chips for real-time tracking, developed with Russian firm JSCGS to boost vehicle security. Despite challenges like shortages and administrative lapses, progress shows 100,791 private vehicles, 4,525 government vehicles, and 245,384 motorcycles already fitted as of May 5.
Car dealers and clearing agents highlighted limited daily scheduling for plate installation. Project coordinator Immaculate Natukunda committed to multiple daily sessions, while the minister mandated same-day handling and a 200-plate daily reserve by ITMS.
Further reforms include a real-time customer service desk and decentralizing installation centers beyond Kampala next financial year to ease congestion.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)