Digital Number Plate Backlog Cleared Amidst Parliamentary Oversight

The Ministry of Works and Transport has announced the successful clearing of a substantial backlog in the distribution of digital number plates, a situation that had previously hampered operations for vehicle owners and importers across Uganda. This resolution follows a period of intense review and intervention by Parliament.

According to Winston Katushabe, Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety, the ministry confirmed that component supplies were fully restored in August 2026. This has led to a significant reduction in the time it takes to fit vehicles with the new plates and has positively impacted government revenue collection. “Going by the current trends, I would think there is now some sanity,” Mr. Katushabe stated, noting that “customers now getting these number plates in real time.”

Parliament’s Committee on Physical Infrastructure, chaired by Mwine Mpaka, had initiated an inquiry into the delays, spurred by concerns from Minister Fred Byamukama. The inquiry aimed to address the severe delays experienced in July 2026, which had left vehicle dealers, motorists, and clearing agents in a difficult position.

The Ministry’s latest report indicates a marked improvement in efficiency. Average fitment times at Kampala’s vehicle bonds have dropped from 19 days in late 2025 to just two days in September 2026. Furthermore, the completion rate for registration cases within two days at these bonds rose from 33% in July to 72% in September. At key border posts like Malaba and Mutukula, incoming vehicles are now fitted with digital plates in approximately three hours.

Beyond operational improvements, the digital registration framework has yielded considerable economic and security advantages. The ministry reported a 17% increase in taxes collected during the project’s first financial year, alongside a 16.4% rise in overall government revenue. Officials attribute this growth to enhanced compliance and improved tracking facilitated by the digital system. Law enforcement has also benefited, with police reports highlighting instances where digital tracing aided in the recovery of stolen motorcycles and property linked to crimes against boda-boda riders.

Parliamentary oversight will continue to ensure sustained performance and system stability, with a focus on improving access for motorists in upcountry areas.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)