The government has issued a two-year ultimatum for motorists to migrate to digital number plates under the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS).
The announcement was made by Susan Kataike, the principal communications officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport, during a press briefing in Mbale on Sunday.
Ms Kataike detailed the phased rollout of the programme, which began in November 2023 with the installation of digital plates on government vehicles.
To date, 2,143 government vehicles have been fitted with the new plates.
In November 2024, the initiative expanded to include the registration of new motorcycles. So far, 11,721 private and public motorcycles have been equipped with digital number plates.
Ms Kataike said the ministry is collaborating with 18 motorcycle importers to ensure all newly imported motorcycles are fitted with the plates before sale.
“Dealers here in Mbale are already selling motorcycles equipped with the new number plates,” she said.
The third phase, commencing January 6, 2025, will focus on new motor vehicles entering the country. These vehicles will be required to have digital number plates installed at a cost of Shs700,000.
Additionally, vehicle owners will begin transitioning from old plates at a fee of Shs50,000 for motorcycles and Shs150,000 for motor vehicles.
Ms Kataike urged vehicle owners to plan early to avoid last-minute challenges.
“You have enough time to start saving for this transition within the two-year period,” she said.
To streamline the process, service desks have been established at driving permit issuance offices nationwide.
The ITMS initiative is more than just a new numbering system; it integrates advanced security features capable of detecting traffic violations and tracking criminal activity.
The system is synced with security cameras to provide real-time imagery of vehicles, including face detection capabilities.
“This initiative will revolutionise traffic management and enhance national security,” Ms Kataike added.
The ITMS project is being implemented by Virtus Global Security Ltd, a Russian contractor, under the joint supervision of the Ministry of Security and the Ministry of Works and Transport
