By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
Government has extended commencement of digitalized registration of both motorcycles and vehicles under the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS).
The announcement was made in a joint media briefing by the Ministers of Works & Transport, General Wamala and Security Minister, General Jim Muhwezi at the Uganda Media Center today, 4th July 2024.
Earlier, the Chief Licensing Officer at the Ministry of Transport, Katushabe Winstone had on 6th June, 2024 said the private registration was to commence in July, 2024.
However, in today’s briefing, the two Ministers say registration of Motorcycles will commence on 1st November, 2024 followed by Private Vehicles on January 6th 2025.
The private vehicle registration under the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) is meant to enhance national security by cracking down on individuals who have been using motor vehicles to commit crimes.
According To the Commissioner ICT at Uganda Police Force, vehicle tracking even where there is no telecom network and no internet will be possible.
“Aa feasibility study was carried out and the existing network coverage in Uganda is sufficient to enable the system to work. The system uses low data rates from 5g to 2g. It does not require high data rates to track vehicles,” he says.
The Ministry has held several consultative meetings with Motorcycle Dealers in an attempt to streamline issues related to Digitalizing all boda bodas registration in the country.
The Intelligent Transport Monitoring System commenced with the first phase being the fitment of digital number plates on government vehicles.
The new registration number plates prioritize safety of all road users by streamlining the issuance of motor vehicle fines which will influence driver behavior, ease identification of road traffic offenders or law breakers & improve electronic policing.
Besides, the new Intelligent Transport Monitoring System will enable real time tracking and identification of motor bike users which will greatly mitigate the security threats that are posed by criminals who wrongfully use motorbikes.
The plates have an electronic device fitted to them; this device allows for vehicle real time tracking as well as hinders tampering with the vehicle registration plates.
So unlike the usual number plates which criminals have made a habit of removing and replacing, these ones cannot be tampered with.
