29 June 2009
editorial
Kampala — OVER 340 fake number-plates have been found to be in circulation. Up to four cars in Uganda share the same registration number.
A racket involving URA officers and clearing agents have, for over one year, been issuing duplicate number plates in a bid to evade taxes on imported vehicles.
Anywhere else in the world, such news would be received with shock and a sense of urgency. The Police and security agencies would be put on high alert.
The Government would take steps to publish the fake numbers and try and remedy the situation. The media would be briefed on a daily basis in a bid to reassure the public.
Not in Uganda. Nobody in the Police or the Government has come out to clarify on the scam. People who saw their registration number appear in The New Vision are left in the dark about what they are supposed to do.
Many might be driving around with fake number plates without knowing it. They might just have purchased their car from the bond, or bought it from somebody who purchased it from the bond.
The number plates scam is not just a matter of financial loss to URA, as it is being treated. It is a serious security issue, both for the country and for individual drivers.
A car with a fake number plate might be involved in an accident and the owner of the genuine number could be arrested over it.
Worse, a vehicle with anybody's registration number might be used to commit crimes or plan terrorist attacks and innocent people could be held responsible.
The Police should immediately investigate all the new number plates that were issued since the scam started. The Police chief himself should communicate to the public about what is being done to contain the situation.
Ugandans need to be reassured that they will not end up in jail for an act they did not commit, and that the security of the country is guaranteed.
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