Everything you need to know about the digital number plate roll out in Uganda

Uganda is advancing its road safety and vehicle identification systems with the rollout of Phase Three of Digital Registration Plates (DRPs). This significant development, spearheaded by the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT), is aimed at enhancing security, streamline vehicle registration, and bring the country’s transport system into the digital era.

If you have not had about this initiative, or you are looking for the latest updates about the project, here’s what you need to know about this new initiative.

Key Dates to Remember

The third phase of the DRP rollout begins today Monday, 6th January 2025. This marks a major transition in how vehicle registration plates are issued in Uganda. From this date forward, M/S Joint Stock Company Global Security will take over as the new service provider for registration plates.

However, there are transitional measures to ease this shift.

Transition from Current Providers

The outgoing service providers, GM Tumpeco and ABC Ltd, will continue to process all orders received before the end of 5th January 2025. Vehicle owners and dealers have a 30-day grace period, beginning on 5th January 2025, to collect registration plates from these outgoing providers. If plates are not collected during this period, owners and dealers will need to reapply under the new system, as stipulated by the Traffic and Road Safety (Registration Plates) Regulations 2022 (as Amended).

Costs and Migration to Digital Plates

The costs for migrating to the new digital registration plates are as follows:

• First-time registration: UGX 714,300
• Switching from old to new plates:
  • Vehicles: UGX 150,000
  • Motorcycles: UGX 50,000

A generous two-year grace period has been granted for vehicle and motorcycle owners to transition to the new digital plates.

Where will fitness of number plates be done?

Ministry of works has established several border entry points and selected car bonds and through throughout the country. These selected centres will have full-time staff positioned to facilitate registration in the assigned zone. They will ensure that all units are fitted promptly.

The following car bonds in Kampala have been selected by the ministry;

• Kampala Modernity
• Cadam Enterprises
• Banda Bond
• Jambo Auto Mart
• Yuasa investments
• Jan Kampala
• CFAO Motors
• Future Investments
• COSMOS.

The ministry has set up various offices in the following districts;

• Arua
• Gulu
• Jinja
• Mbale
• Masaka
• Mbarara
• Kabale
• For portal

How to Register for Digital Plates

A seamless online process has been introduced on the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) portal. Vehicle owners can log in using their Tax Identification Number (TIN) and navigate to the “Registration for a Digital Plate” section to initiate the process.

Why the Shift to Digital Registration Plates?

The rollout of digital plates is part of Uganda’s broader effort to improve road safety, enhance vehicle tracking, and strengthen law enforcement capabilities. The digital plates are expected to combat vehicle theft, improve tax compliance, and provide better support for traffic monitoring systems.

What Should Vehicle Owners Do Now?

• Ensure you collect your registration plates from GM Tumpeco or ABC Ltd within the 30-day grace period if your order was placed before 6th January 2025.
• For new registrations or duplicates after the transition, use the URA portal to apply for your plates under the new system.
• Prepare to transition to digital plates if you are still using the old registration system, keeping in mind the costs and deadlines.
• Follow https://x.com/MoWT_Uganda for the latest updates, call 0200420000 or email Inquiries@mvr.go.ug for further inquiries.