Amidst surging crime rates, the Ugandan government is leveraging technology to bolster security and safeguard its citizens. However, these efforts encounter significant obstacles that must be addressed. Striking a balance between public safety and stakeholder concerns is now a pressing task for the government.
The Ugandan government is planning to introduce digital number plates, starting on July 1, 2023, and car owners will be required to pay shs735,000 ($199.6) for each plate.
A digital number plate is a type of number plate that uses RFID (radio frequency identification) tagging. They feature a chip that stores vehicle-specific information such as insurance, tax, and journey records serving as a means of instant identification, tracking, and monitoring.
The decision comes in response to the increasing crime rate in the country. To address the issue, President Museveni discussed the potential of improving security measures by equipping boda bodas (motorcycle taxis commonly found in East Africa) and other vehicles with GPS tracking devices. He mentioned this during his address to the parliament on the state of security in the country, in June 2018.
The government's decision has, however, faced criticism from many citizens including the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), who deem it rushed and highlight the lack of sufficient stakeholder engagement. Established and registered in 2001, KACITA is a business support association in Uganda with a mandate that encompasses the entire country.
KACITA chairman, Musoke Thadeus Nagenda (photo), expressed his concerns about the decision. While addressing journalists on Wednesday, Nagenda stated, "Having thoroughly analyzed and studied what the new registration process entails, the consumers of the service, and all the players in the chain, we think this is rushed. There hasn't been any form of sensitization of consumers and stakeholders. We realized that there were no stakeholder engagements at most levels. The implication of this is that the July 1, 2023 implementation date is too soon, and if implemented, this will cause a lot of business stampede as well as public outcry."
The Kampala City Traders Association also mentioned the high cost and unfair payment structure of the number plates compared to cheaper plates in Kenya with similar security features, citing the price as exorbitant and unreasonable.
KACITA then raised issues related to administrative procedures, practicality, data protection, and security risks associated with live location tracking, recommending a phased implementation starting with government vehicles, the establishment of fitment centers nationwide, and training for local players involved in plate installation and maintenance.
The association also advises against rushing the project and proposes an additional year for piloting and phased implementation to address concerns, ensure public sensitization, and protect privacy rights and small-scale businesses. “Comprehensive planning, stakeholder involvement, and transparency are crucial for a successful rollout of the digital number plate system. The government must address these concerns for an inclusive implementation benefiting all stakeholders,” it adds.
Hikmatu Bilali
