By Aggrey BabaThe Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), has explained why every vehicle and motorcycle owner in Uganda will be required to acquire a digital number plate, clarifying that the new system is part of efforts to improve road safety, track vehicle movement when necessary, and deal with crimes involving motor vehicles.
According to ITMS’s message on X (formerly tweeter), the digital number plate is more than just a replacement of the old plate. It contains technology that makes it easier to identify vehicles, respond to emergencies, and prevent common issues such as plate forgery and vehicle theft.
One of the main features is a GPS tracker embedded within the plate, which enables authorized security agencies to locate a vehicle in real-time, especially in situations where it has been stolen or is being used in illegal activity.
ITMS also pointed out that each digital plate has a QR code and a hologram to help confirm its authenticity. This makes it difficult for criminals to use fake or duplicate plates, which have previously been used to commit crimes or avoid detection.
The QR code can be scanned by enforcement officers to quickly verify the registered details of the vehicle, and the hologram acts as a visual security feature that’s hard to replicate.
Another key feature is the Bluetooth beacon, which quietly communicates with monitoring systems. If someone attempts to remove or tamper with the number plate, it sends an alert directly to the police command centre.
This kind of information can assist law enforcement in stopping a potential crime or following up on suspicious vehicle movements.
While some members of the public have raised concerns about being tracked, ITMS clarified that the system is not intended to monitor everyday movements of citizens, but to respond to specific situations where a vehicle is linked to a case under investigation.
The tracking function is activated only when necessary, and access to the system is restricted to authorised security personnel.
The introduction of the digital number plates is part of a broader national system aimed at streamlining vehicle management, improving road discipline, and supporting crime prevention. In the long run, the plates will also be integrated with other services such as insurance verification and tax compliance.
All vehicle and motorcycle owners are urged to take part in the registration process early and to treat the new plate not just as a government requirement, but as a security feature that works in their interest.
According to ITMS, having a digital number plate gives vehicle owners a better level of protection and ensures their vehicles can be identified and recovered if anything goes wrong.
