MPs Demand Immediate Audit of Russian Digital Number Plate Project

Members of Parliament on the Committee on Physical Infrastructure have instructed the Auditor General, Edward Akol, to urgently scrutinize the Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS), commonly known for its digital number plate technology.

The committee, led by Hon. Mwine Mpaka, demanded a preliminary audit report on the system’s operations, ownership, and financial arrangements by the following Tuesday. This decision was made during a session where Akol appeared to explain the delayed audit of the project, which involves a Russian company.

Akol attributed the delay to insufficient information, stating his office only received the project agreement recently. He also mentioned previous undocumented engagements with the Office of the President and highlighted staffing shortages within his department.

Despite the Auditor General’s explanations, MPs questioned why the project’s pilot phase, reportedly investor-financed with no government funds yet appropriated, should impede an audit. Committee members emphasized the need to examine the system’s design, installation, and operational aspects.

“If you are denied access, you put it in writing that our office has been denied A, B, C, D, and we capture it the way it is,” stated Hon. Mpaka, urging the audit team to proceed regardless of potential obstacles.

The committee has pledged to provide the Auditor General with the project’s needs assessment and the signed government agreement. Assistant Auditor General James Bantu cautioned that the tight deadline might not allow for a comprehensive audit due to the system’s complexity and procedural requirements.

This directive follows the committee’s earlier decision to have officials from the Auditor General’s office provide statements to Parliament Police regarding the failure to audit the project.