KAMPALA, UGANDA – July 4, 2024 – In a move aimed at significantly enhancing national security and streamlining traffic management, the Ugandan government has officially launched the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS). The landmark announcement was made today at a press conference held at the Uganda Media Centre, with both the Minister for Security and the Minister for Works and Transport outlining the system’s capabilities and objectives.
The ITMS initiative comes as Uganda grapples with the challenges posed by a rapidly expanding vehicle population, which has now exceeded 2.1 million vehicles as of July 2024. This surge has led to a corresponding increase in criminal activities involving motor vehicles, road traffic accidents, and the proliferation of fraudulent practices such as multiple number plates and forgeries.
“The introduction of the ITMS represents a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to safeguard our citizens and improve the efficiency of our transportation network,” stated the Minister for Security. “This system will provide law enforcement with the tools necessary to swiftly identify and apprehend vehicles involved in criminal activities, thereby enhancing overall public safety.” 
Developed in partnership with Global Security, the ITMS utilizes cutting-edge technology to create a robust surveillance and management framework. The system is designed to facilitate the rapid identification of suspect vehicles, improve traffic flow through efficient ticketing and revenue collection, and address the myriad challenges associated with vehicle administration.
“The ITMS will address long-standing issues such as the lack of a credible vehicle database, poor quality control, insufficient staffing, and revenue leakages,” explained the Minister for Works and Transport. “By implementing this system, we are laying the foundation for a more transparent and efficient transport sector.”
Key challenges that the ITMS aims to overcome include:
- Lack of a Credible and Reliable Database: The system will create a centralized and accurate database of all registered vehicles.
- Poor Quality Control Measures: The ITMS will implement stringent quality control measures to ensure the integrity of vehicle registration and identification.
- Insufficient Technical Staff: The government has committed to providing comprehensive training to technical staff to ensure the effective operation of the system.
- Distorted Reporting Structures: The ITMS will streamline reporting structures to enhance coordination and efficiency.
- Low Revenue Collection: The system’s automated ticketing and revenue collection features will improve revenue generation.
- Discrepancies in Registration Books: The ITMS will eliminate discrepancies through digital record-keeping.
The Ugandan government has emphasized its commitment to ensuring the successful rollout of the ITMS, recognizing its pivotal role in enhancing national security and improving the overall quality of life for its citizens. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure and embrace technological solutions for societal challenges.
