Russian Firm Defends Digital Number Plate Deal Amidst Parliamentary Scrutiny

Joint Stock Company Global Security (JSC GS), the Russian firm behind Uganda’s digital number plate project, has provided Parliament with evidence to support the legality of its agreement with the government. The company’s representatives met with the parliamentary committee on Physical Infrastructure and police officials to present an agreement dated July 23, 2021.

This agreement, signed by officials from the Office of the President, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and JSC GS, authorizes the firm to implement the Digital Number Plate Project. The initiative involves a $115 million investment aimed at establishing national vehicle-monitoring infrastructure.

The company’s presentation comes as lawmakers scrutinize the project’s costs, implementation, and the contractor’s capabilities. However, Members of Parliament who witnessed a live demonstration at the Naguru police command center on October 2 confirmed the system’s effectiveness in tracking both motor vehicles and motorcycles.

Mwine Mpaka, chairperson of the physical infrastructure committee, affirmed the system’s tracking ability, stating, “Yes, indeed, we have established that cars and motorbikes can be tracked. The issue of digital number plates is clearly important. We just need to see how we can improve the system.”

The Uganda Police reported on September 30 that the system had contributed to the recovery of 337 out of 375 stolen vehicles, a success rate of approximately 90%. Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba also acknowledged the system’s value in investigations, noting, “The system is working, and it is giving us solutions in our investigation.”

JSC GS project manager Damir Makhmutov highlighted the project’s positive impact on local employment and the economy. As of September 2026, the company employed 320 individuals, with 301 being Ugandan nationals. He emphasized the transfer of skills through 37 training programs, benefiting over 3,700 attendees. Additionally, the project has engaged 106 Ugandan suppliers, supporting local businesses.

By September 30, 2026, over 470,000 digital number plates had been installed, utilizing locally established production facilities. JSC GS also confirmed it had resolved a supply backlog from earlier in the year by implementing alternative logistics and maintaining safety stock.

Data from the Ministry of Works and Transport indicates a significant increase in vehicle-related tax collections, rising by 20.7% between the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 financial years.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/russian-firm-jsc-tables-legit-agreement-for-digital-number-plates