The Uganda Manufacturers Association and transport groups have asked Parliament to cancel the 10-year contract of Russian firm Joint Stock Company Global Security over digital vehicle number plates.
Appearing before the Committee on Physical Infrastructure on Monday, September 28, 2026, industry leaders said the exclusive deal caused severe delays, locked out local companies, and failed to improve security.
Plate costs jumped from Shs 125,000 to over Shs 700,000, which burdens low-income commercial motorcyclists.
Motorists wait months for plates and sometimes face duplicate billing or fresh payment demands.
Transport groups stated that the digital tracking system fails to locate missing vehicles or stolen motorcycles.
Committee Chairperson Hon. Mwine Mpaka questioned if the high prices match the actual security benefits and announced plans to consult the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Project Manager Damir Makhmutov blamed global supply chain issues for the delays. He stated that the firm can complete up to 1,500 installations per day.
The parliamentary committee is finishing its investigation and will present a final report to the full House.
Commercial motorcyclists (boda bodas) are among the hardest hit by the Shs 700,000+ digital plate fee. Industry leaders argue that the pricing structure is deeply unfair to low-income riders.
National Boda Boda Union Chairperson Frank Mawejje argued that low-income motorcyclists should not pay the same steep fees as heavy passenger and cargo vehicles.
He adds that Stolen motorcycles are still being recovered using standard street surveillance cameras.
The contractor’s digital tracking infrastructure has failed to locate them despite the premium price.
Riders face major distribution delays after paying. One rider applied on July 28, 2025, but never received his plate and was later issued a duplicate bill instead.
