President Frustrated by delayed Rollout of Digital Number plates

President Yoweri Museveni has expressed concern over the prolonged delay in the implementation of digital number plates, a key government initiative aimed at enhancing security by tracking vehicles used in criminal activities.

Speaking at the closing of a two-day meeting between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) in Kibuli, Museveni highlighted the importance of these new digital plates but questioned their effectiveness.

The President noted that criminals might exploit weaknesses in the system, particularly if the number plates are made of plastic, which could be easily removed or altered. “However, these number plates of plastics, they remove them and change them,” Museveni said, emphasizing the need for a more durable and tamper-proof solution. Despite these concerns, he expressed optimism that once fully operational, the system would help reduce crimes such as vehicle and motorcycle theft.

Museveni urged stakeholders to explore technical solutions thoroughly to ensure the system’s success and effectiveness. He believes that advanced tracking of vehicles and motorcycles will limit criminals' ability to use these methods for illicit activities, potentially forcing them to turn to less efficient options like bicycles

In response to Museveni's concerns, Internal Affairs Minister Jim Muhwezi reassured the President that the roll out process is on track. He acknowledged some minor setbacks but confirmed that the investor responsible for implementing the system is ready to move forward. “There were a few problems, but yesterday we had a meeting with the Minister of Works. Now the investor is ready to roll it out completely,” Muhwezi said.

The digital number plates are part of the government's broader efforts to modernize crime prevention and enhance national security. The plates will be equipped with features that allow authorities to track vehicles in real-time, providing a critical tool in the fight against organized crime.

During his speech, President Museveni also addressed the need for the justice system to dispose of cases, especially capital offenses, more efficiently. He emphasized that cases involving murder, rape, terrorism, and corruption should not be delayed, as justice for both victims and accused individuals depends on timely hearings.“I cannot understand why a case takes six months if you can hear it in a day. If it is ready for hearing, hear it,” Museveni said, calling for an overhaul of the current system to ensure quicker resolutions. He further urged the Judiciary to handle land disputes at the village level, avoiding unnecessary delays in court that harm communities.

On the issue of bail for suspects of capital offenses, the President reiterated the need for a balanced approach, noting that both the accused and victims have rights. While he recognized the right to apply for bail, Museveni emphasized that the decision lies with the judge, who must carefully weigh all factors.“The accused has a right, but the victim also has a right. You cannot say that the accused are the only right,” Museveni stressed, reflecting on the need to align the right to bail with justice for the aggrieved families.

Museveni also took the opportunity to address the pervasive issue of corruption, which he described as a major obstacle to Uganda's development. He pointed out that corruption is siphoning off funds meant for vital services such as feeder roads, capitation grants for schools, and health centers. The President called on communities to collaborate with local officials, including CAOs, CID officers, and DISOs, to expose corrupt individuals mismanaging public resources.“Use the CAO, CID officers, DISOs to get information without corruption,” Museveni advised,