Government Rolls Out Third Phase of Digital License Plates

Headline: Uganda Rolls Out Third Phase of Digital License Plates

New digital plates aim to enhance safety, modernize transport; owners given two years to make the switch.

Government Rolls Out New Digital License Plates: What You Need to Know

The Ministry of Works and Transport officially rolled out the third phase of Uganda’s digital registration plates under the Intelligent Transfer Monitoring System. The programme by Joint Stock Global Security Company is aimed at ensuring the country’s roads are safer and efficiently tracking vehicles.

The introduction of the digital number plates is a milestone towards improving the safety of lives and property, Susan Kataike, the Public Relations Officer at the ministry said.

Cost and Timeline

Starting January next year, a car owner shall be required to pay Shs 150,000 while the motorcycle owners shall pay Shs 50,000. This shall be preceded by a grace period of two years within which every owner of vehicles and motorcycles will need to have done the replacement, as thereafter it shall not operate without a digital number plate in the country’s roads.

“If a person has completed all processes with URA and the Ministry of Works and Transport and was allocated a number plate, they can still operate on the old plate,” Kataike explained.

The changeover comes after the expiration of the contract with the old supplier, and URA had to upgrade its system to something more advanced.
Significantly, much progress has been realized since the beginning of the project in 2023, with as many as 2,143 government vehicles and 11,721 motorcycles installed with new digital plates.

This new third phase rollout now intends to scale this further to more vehicles on Uganda’s roads. The Ministry says this change will realize a safe and efficient transport system.

A “Game-Changer” for Transport
Mr. Jimmy Oluka, an acting manager for the Eastern Region of URA, said it was a game-changer, adding that it could revolutionize transportation. The electronic plates will, among other aspects, increase the level of security and make it easier to monitor and track the activities of vehicles.
Galina Sbalova, the representative of Joint Stock Global Security Company, the project contractor, assured Ugandans that they were ready for the demand. “We are fully equipped to roll out digital plates for all Ugandans within the stipulated timeframe,” she said.

The Ministry of Works and Transport has also assured the public, alongside the URA, that it will support vehicle and motorcycle owners for smooth transition. He calls upon the owners to comply within the two-year period in order to avoid inconveniences in the use of the roads.

Why Digital Plates Matter

The introduction of digital number plates in Uganda is part of its wider strategic approach toward a modern transportation network. Advanced tracking features embedded on the plates would make it far easier to identify and track vehicles and help fight against crime and offer safety on the roads.

Officals also predict that the system will help in better handling of Uganda’s transport sector pertaining to un-registered vehicles and adherence of traffic rules.

What Next for Vehicle Owners?
Motorists and motorcyclists in Uganda have been urged to embark on the process of acquiring their new digital number plates without wasting any time, as failure to do so will lead to operational restrictions after the expiry of the two-year grace period.

The Ministry has also assured the public that measures will be put in place to address challenges during the transition period.

The Future of Transport in Uganda
The introduction of digital license plates is a progressive step for Uganda, putting the country’s transportation infrastructure in line with global standards.

As the project progresses, it is expected to bring about significant improvements in safety, efficiency, and accountability on Ugandan roads. With strong government backing and public cooperation, this initiative could set a benchmark for modernization in the region.

Key Takeaway: The third phase of Uganda’s digital license plate project is on, and all vehicle owners have a two-year deadline. This will make a difference in transport safety and efficiency, making Ugandan roads safer.