Ministry Records Reveal Shs3bn Spent on Driving Permit Data Recovery Project by Late 2015

Official Ministry of Works and Transport documents indicate that over Shs3 billion was spent on the Uganda Computerised Driving Permit data recovery project by December 2015. Despite this substantial financial outlay, records show that the facility remained only 50 percent complete at the time.

A 2014 procurement negotiation record reveals that the contract was awarded to Face Technologies (Pty) Limited for approximately $1.6 million. The project was designed to establish a critical business continuity site to safeguard driving permit records and ensure uninterrupted issuance if the main Kyambogo facility suffered a major disruption.

While the primary system backed up raw data, the ministry noted it could not guarantee seamless operational continuity during an emergency. The direct procurement approach was justified because Face Technologies already managed the main production hub. Negotiation teams outlined a phased rollout covering building remodeling, security system installations, and hardware delivery.

However, the 2016/17 Ministerial Policy Statement submitted to Parliament highlighted implementation delays. By December 2015, the ministry had disbursed Shs3.022 billion against an approved budget of Shs3.725 billion, with completed works limited to cabling, CCTV installations, and air conditioning.

These historical records raise ongoing questions regarding the ultimate delivery, commissioning date, and overall operational status of the backup center. Additional details are available in the full report from Nile Post.