Russian firm defends digital plate delays, pledges 1,500 daily installations

Joint Stock Company Global Security has acknowledged but justified the delays in the installation of digital number plates on Ugandan motor vehicles.

Appearing before parliament’s committee on physical infrastructure on Monday, Damir Makhmutov, project manager for the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), attributed the delays to disruptions and diversions caused by ongoing wars in Eastern Europe and Iran that he said have affected the movement of material consignments needed for number plate production.

He said vessels have been diverted from the Red Sea and Suez Canal and forced to travel around the Cape of Good Hope, resulting in longer journeys, less reliable schedules and higher operating costs.

Makhmutov, however, said they have the technical and human capacity to accelerate installations after the government demanded answers over persistent shortages and delays.

“We have the technical capability. We have enough staff to perform 1,500 installations per day,” Makhmutov said.

“But, for example, as of September 23, we have done 1,307 installations,” he added.

MPs said they would examine whether the improved capacity was translating into timely services for motorists. During the same meeting, Uganda Manufacturers Association board chairperson Richard Mubiru urged parliament to review the firm’s exclusive role under its 10-year agreement with the government.

Committee chairperson Mwine Mpaka said MPs would also seek answers from the ministry of Internal Affairs on whether the system’s security features were working as intended and justified its cost.

“We have to establish whether it is working to justify this cost,” Mpaka said.

In the same meeting, National Boda Boda Union chairperson Frank Mawejje told the MPs that the digital number plates have not helped in the recovery of any stolen motorcycles, questioning the benefits for the riders.

But police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke previously urged victims to report the thefts without delay.

“When people report in time, it enables police to respond to scenes of crime quickly, increasing the likelihood of finding and apprehending suspects and averting offences,” he said at a recent press conference.

“That speed of response also enhances tools such as the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System, which uses tracking technology to support interception and recovery of stolen vehicles.”

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