The Ministry of Works and Transport has called on motorists to adhere to traffic regulations as Uganda transitions to mandatory digital number plates.
Susan Kataike, the principal communications officer at the ministry, announced that the new system will significantly curtail opportunities for motorists to evade fines through bribery.
The digital number plates, embedded with an Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), will automatically detect and report traffic violations, particularly in urban centres and along highways.
Kataike stated that this technology aims to promote compliance with traffic laws, ensuring violators are held accountable and reducing previously unpunished offences.
"Motorists who fail to comply with traffic regulations may soon face hefty fines," Kataike warned, emphasizing the government's resolve to enforce responsible driving habits.
The digital number plates are more than just identifiers; they are advanced devices equipped with artificial intelligence, GPS, Bluetooth, and machine learning capabilities.
Erick Rutakirwa, a representative from Virtus Global Security, explained that the system integrates security cameras and real-time data transmission to detect violations and track criminal activity.
Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), the system captures vehicle plates and relays images to a control centre at police headquarters in Naguru.
It can identify violations such as speeding, running red lights, and failing to stop at zebra crossings.
Once a violation is recorded, the system instantly sends notices and fines to vehicle owners via email or phone.
Future upgrades will include facial recognition technology to track offenders, further strengthening law enforcement capabilities.
"This initiative will revolutionize traffic management and enhance public safety," Kataike concluded, underscoring the transformative potential of the ITMS.
The rollout of digital number plates represents a major step in modernizing Uganda's traffic management and security systems, marking a shift towards accountability and efficiency in road safety enforcement.
