security 6 October 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Digital Number Plates: Security Minister Reports 90% Recovery Rate for Stolen Cars
Uganda's Minister for Security, Hon. Jim Muhwezi, has confirmed that the new digital number plate tracking system is highly effective, leading to the recovery of approximately 90 percent of stolen vehicles. This was reported to the House Committee on Physical Infrastructure. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4641/digital-number-plates-help-recover-90-percent-stolen-cars-security-minister
The effectiveness of Uganda’s digital number plate system in combating vehicle theft has been highlighted by the Minister for Security, Hon. Jim Muhwezi. Appearing before the House Committee on Physical Infrastructure, Muhwezi stated that the system is operational nationwide and has significantly aided in the recovery of stolen vehicles.
During the committee meeting, members, including Hon. James Waluswaka, questioned the efficacy of the trackers, a system prompted by the late MP Ibrahim Abiriga’s security concerns. Minister Muhwezi affirmed the system’s functionality, citing an instance where a stolen police vehicle was traced to Kenya and successfully recovered due to the digital plates.
Felix Baryamwisaki, Director of ICT at Uganda Police, provided specific data, revealing a 90 percent recovery rate for stolen motor vehicles. Out of 375 stolen vehicles, 337 have been recovered. However, a lower recovery rate of 22 percent was noted for motorcycles, with 174 out of 782 fitted bikes recovered. Baryamwisaki explained this challenge is being addressed and relates to the GPS tracker technology.
Beyond recovery, the system has also improved the turnaround time for obtaining digital number plates. Winston Katushabe, Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety, reported that the average waiting period has decreased from 19 days in December 2025 to just two days in September 2026.
The committee also raised concerns about the Shs714,000 cost of the digital plates, deeming it unaffordable for many Ugandans, particularly ‘boda boda’ riders. Legislators plan to visit the Integrated Transport Management System (ITMS) monitoring center to witness the tracking capabilities firsthand.