The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) has asked the government to allow more local manufacturers to participate in the production of Uganda’s digital vehicle number plates, citing delays that it says are affecting businesses and government revenue.
The association made the call while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Physical Infrastructure, chaired by Hon. Mwine Mpaka.
UMA Board Chairperson Richard Mubiru, Executive Director Ezra Muhumuza and Director of Policy and Research Allan Ssenyondwa called for clearer turnaround times, stronger accountability and broader consultation among stakeholders.
Ssenyondwa argued that companies that previously manufactured number plates should be permitted to continue producing them, while the digital components could be incorporated when required.
“Let these other companies which were producing number plates be allowed to produce. The digital parts can come in as and when needed,” Ssenyondwa said.
UMA said the current delays in obtaining and mounting number plates are leaving some business vehicles and other assets immobilised. The association warned that prolonged delays could also affect government revenue because vehicles that cannot operate are less able to generate economic activity and related tax contributions.
The concerns come amid wider scrutiny of Uganda’s digital number plate programme. Parliament has previously heard complaints from the business community about shortages and the cost of the plates, while recent reporting has also raised questions about value for money and contractual arrangements surrounding the project.
UMA said opening up participation to additional local manufacturers could help reduce the backlog while supporting domestic manufacturing and employment.
The association also wants the government to establish clear timelines for processing and mounting plates, alongside a unified accountability mechanism to ensure that delays can be traced to the responsible institutions.
At the same time, UMA maintains that wider participation does not have to undermine the security objectives of the digital number plate system. Instead, it argues that local manufacturers could handle the production of the physical plates, with the digital components incorporated within the required system.
The proposal now places the focus on how government can balance the security and technological requirements of digital number plates with the need for faster service delivery, local industrial participation and accountability.
