MPs on Phyisical Infrastructure Committee Have Grilled Digital Number Plate Makers Over Shs4 Billion Weekly Losses

Parliament is investigating the rollout of Uganda’s digital number plates after legislators were told that the government could be losing at least Shs4 billion in tax revenue every week.

Officials from Joint Stock Company Global Security, the Russian-based firm contracted to manufacture the plates, appeared before Parliament’s Committee on Physical Infrastructure to respond to concerns over delays, shortages, and declining production.

Committee Chairperson Mwine Mpaka told the meeting that daily production had dropped from about 350 sets to fewer than 100, with some upcountry centers reportedly suspending issuance because of a shortage of installation kits.

The Uganda Manufacturers Association also told MPs that delays in obtaining the plates were affecting vehicle clearance, business activity, and tax collections. Transport sector representatives raised concerns over the high cost of the plates and difficulties faced by motorists and boda boda operators.

Global Security’s ITMS project manager Damir Makhmutov defended the system, saying the company has the technical capacity to install about 1,500 plates per day and operates in Kampala and several upcountry regions. He attributed some delays to disruptions affecting international consignments.

The parliamentary committee is continuing its inquiry into the implementation of the digital number plate project.

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Source: #CapitalFM