Government Defends Digital Number Plate System, Dismisses Failure Claims

Hajji Yunus Kakande, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for the Presidency, has stepped forward to dismiss claims that President Yoweri Museveni labeled the government’s digital number plate system faulty or regretted adopting it. Speaking to reporters, Kakande clarified that recent discussions involving the head of state and parliamentarians did not point to a failed initiative.

According to Kakande, police ICT director AIGP Felix Baryamwisaki confirmed during the high-level meeting that the technology is actively functioning. The system is designed to assist security agencies in tracking vehicles and clamping down on criminality across the country. The official stressed that the primary objective behind acquiring the Russian-developed software was purely security-focused rather than commercial.

While addressing the financial aspects of the project, Kakande noted that the administration is actively refining the financial model. This involves negotiating clear terms regarding revenue sharing and obligations between the state and the private technology provider. Authorities are also exploring the possibility of establishing local manufacturing capacity to build domestic technical expertise for future software upgrades and hardware production.

Regarding parliamentary oversight, Kakande stated that President Museveni welcomes scrutiny from lawmakers but urged that inquiries be grounded in accurate technical information. Rather than condemning the initiative, stakeholders agreed to form three joint teams comprising representatives from the Russian tech firm, government implementers, and parliamentarians to iron out outstanding concerns. Additional details can be found in the original reporting by Nile Post.