In Kampala’s vibrant streets, where matatus and boda bodas weave through daily life, a transformative initiative is taking shape. Virtus Global Security, tasked with modernizing Uganda’s vehicle registration under the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), showcased its mission to enhance national security through new registration plates.
According to Azat Akmyradov, the Virtus’s Commercial and Government Relations Manager, holding a sleek, tech-embedded plate is not just having a number plate, but these digital plates are tools for safety, equipped with technology to combat crime.
“The ITMS enables law enforcement to trace stolen vehicles and flag suspicious ones swiftly, promising a safer Uganda through advanced tracking,” he said.
The Virtus’s Kawempe facility, production supervisor, Austin Egesa, explained that unlike older plates, these feature beacons, QR codes, and holograms for seamless tracking, emphasizing rigorous testing to ensure quality.
For Egesa’s team, crafting up to 2,500 plates daily is a mission to secure Uganda’s roads. Challenges persist, however, Charles Kamunvi, the Chairperson of Uganda’s Motor Vehicle Traders, acknowledged the plates’ potential, saying, “They’re a game-changer for safety, but Virtus must address supply delays to meet demand.”
Kirunda Mubarak, the head of the Uganda Manufacturers Association, agreed, stating, “Logistical hurdles need resolution, but we support this vision for secure roads.”
Virtus, employing over 200 workers—90% Ugandan—sources most materials locally, aligning with the “Buy Uganda, Build Uganda” ethos. Yet, past delays and questions about transparency, compounded by Virtus’s ties to its Russian parent company, Joint Stock Company Global Security Ltd.
Akmyradov called for government-led awareness campaigns, saying, “Ugandans need to understand these plates are shields against theft and crime.”
He further noted that Virtus remains committeed, producing plates to meet national needs while integrating with agencies like URA and Uganda Police for accurate data.
Different stakeholders also emphasised collaboration between Virtus, the government, and citizens to realise this promise.
These new registration plates symbolise more than technology, they represent safer roads and a unified future for Uganda. The nation now faces the challenge of turning this vision into reality.
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