KACITA Calls for Review of Digital Number Plate System Over Costs

The Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) has called on the government to reassess the process of issuing digital number plates, citing challenges faced by traders and the public. In 2023, the government launched a 10-year deal under the Intelligent Transport Management Systems (ITMS) program, which involves installing digital tracking chips in all vehicle number plates across the country for security purposes. The program started with government vehicles, allowing officials to test the system’s effectiveness before expanding it to the general public, with private vehicles included in November 2023.

KACITA Chairman Thadeus Musoke Nagenda revealed that the association had raised concerns about the system with both Parliament and the Ministry of Works and Transport, but no changes have been made. He explained that members involved in the motor vehicle and motorcycle businesses have reported issues with the system’s functionality, high costs, and bureaucratic hurdles, making the digital plates expensive and less accessible to buyers.

Marvin Ayebale, Publicity Secretary of the Association of Motor Dealers, emphasized the urgency of the situation, giving the government one month to address the system’s flaws and increase public awareness before moving forward with further implementation.

Ayebale also expressed concern that the current system is ill-equipped to handle the growing number of vehicles entering the country, leading to significant losses and a slowdown in business for car dealers.

In response, Suzan Kataike, spokesperson for the Ministry of Works and Transport, noted that KACITA had previously petitioned Parliament in 2023 regarding the cost of the digital plates, with explanations provided on how the pricing was determined. However, she suggested that KACITA remains dissatisfied with the clarification. On the matter of public sensitization, Kataike acknowledged the need for further awareness efforts. She assured that during the first phase, priority was given to government vehicles, while the second phase focused on motorcycle dealers and importers, and that sensitization campaigns will continue nationwide.