Digital number plates Uganda are part of a national strategy to fight crime, not a tool for collecting traffic fines, President Yoweri Museveni has clarified. During the National Budget reading in Kampala, he addressed growing public criticism and set the record straight on the system’s true purpose.
Museveni explained that the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), including digital number plates, aims to boost national security. He dismissed claims suggesting that the government introduced the system mainly to penalize drivers. “I saw some news about the digital number plates and fines. But the issue is not fines—it’s anti-crime,” he said.
He acknowledged the public confusion, which likely came from the way the government funded the rollout. Since the state lacked immediate funds, it allowed implementers to recover costs by issuing fines to violators. However, Museveni stressed that this funding model should not distract from the core mission—vehicle traceability and crime prevention.
The suspension of the Express Penalty System (EPS Auto) followed strong public backlash. Although Museveni didn’t mention the system by name, many Ugandans identified it as the most controversial part of ITMS. EPS Auto set strict speed limits: 30km/h near schools and hospitals, and 50km/h on highways and urban roads. Offenders received automatic fines ranging from Shs200,000 to Shs600,000.
The rollout angered many citizens. They argued that the program prioritized enforcement over public education. In response, Works Minister Gen Katumba Wamala ordered a full review of the platform. Museveni, meanwhile, returned the conversation to security. He explained that the digital number plates Uganda system connects to a central control room. If someone tampers with a plate, the system raises an immediate alert. Every car and motorcycle must remain trackable at all times.
Museveni also reminded the public that this idea started back in 2018. The government proposed road surveillance after the assassination of MP Ibrahim Abiriga and other high-profile murders. In Parliament, Museveni introduced a 10-point plan to improve national security. The plan included AI-powered cameras, digital plates, and firearm fingerprinting. Since then, cameras have helped police solve many criminal cases. “That is why we must go technical,” the President said.
Despite the system’s potential, Museveni expressed disappointment in how it has been handled. He criticized the poor rollout and messaging, which created the impression that government wanted to extract money from motorists. “I cannot accept our people dying because of an incomplete infrastructure,” he added. He urged agencies to implement the system as originally intended—for security, not revenue collection.
The digital tracking platform, developed with Russian firm M/s Joint Stock Company Global Security, forms part of a wider ITMS network. This includes artificial intelligence, vehicle monitoring, and nationwide CCTV integration. These systems will help law enforcement trace vehicles faster, identify crime suspects, and reduce road-related insecurity.
Uganda’s journey toward smarter policing and secure roads continues, but it must avoid alienating citizens. The success of digital number plates Uganda depends on trust, transparency, and a strong focus on public safety. With the President’s remarks, the government has a chance to reset the narrative and prioritize what really matters—protecting lives.
READ: Uganda Halts New Number Plate Scheme Amidst Inspectorate of Government Order
