transport 30 September 2026 Nile Post
Digital Number Plate Backlog Cleared, Registration Time Slashed to Two Days
The Ugandan government has successfully cleared the backlog for digital number plates, significantly reducing registration and fitting times from an average of 19 days to just two days. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/374435/digital-number-plate-backlog-cleared-as-registration-time-falls-to-two-days
The Ministry of Works and Transport has announced the clearance of a substantial backlog concerning the issuance of digital number plates. This achievement has drastically cut down the average time it takes to register and fit these plates at vehicle bonds in Kampala, reducing it from 19 days in December 2025 to a mere two days by September 2026.
This improvement comes at a time when Parliament’s Committee on Physical Infrastructure has been actively scrutinizing the Digital Number Plate Programme due to previous delays that impacted motorists and dealers. The committee, led by Mpigi West MP Mwine Mpaka, has been engaging with officials and stakeholders regarding the supply and installation process.
Officials, including Winston Katushabe, Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety, have reported a marked improvement, noting that motorists are now receiving their plates in near real-time, with installation kits readily available. A report presented to Parliament indicated that component shortages were fully addressed by August 2026, leading to the backlog’s elimination.
The efficiency gains are also evident at border posts, with vehicles at Malaba and Mutukula One Stop Border Posts reportedly fitted with digital plates in approximately three hours. The Ministry also highlighted an increase in government revenue, with taxes collected rising by 17% and overall government revenue by 16.4% in the first financial year of the digital plate system’s implementation, attributed to improved compliance enforcement.
Beyond administrative efficiency, the digital system is proving valuable for police investigations, aiding in the tracking of stolen motorcycles and other property. The system’s reach has also expanded, with installation services now available beyond Kampala, and enhanced motorist access to registration information.