The Ugandan government has unveiled the Smart Vehicle Surveillance System (SVSS) Project, which will result in the re-registration and equipping of all vehicles in Uganda with digital license plates.

The launch of this comprehensive initiative, involving the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Public Safety, and Uganda Law Enforcement, is set to enhance the traceability and security of all automobiles and motorcycles in the nation. Every vehicle and motorcycle owner will be obliged to acquire new registration plates incorporating Bluetooth beacon chips and a tracking device.

Addressing the gathering at the event held on November 1, 2023, in Kampala, General Edward Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, expressed that the collaboration with the Russian company Global Security Joint Stock Company on this project will serve as a deterrent against vehicle theft and related criminal activities through improved traceability, tracking, and real-time coordination with the Police Command Center.

Gen. Wamala also emphasized that the technology will discourage reckless driving by leveraging the CCTV Camera network for enhanced enforcement.

“Ugandans present here today, our country spends an average of 342 million daily to treat accident victims. Therefore, this system is also aimed at instilling discipline among our road users,” Gen. Wamala stated, adding that the SVSS Project will combat vehicle theft and vehicle-related criminality by enhancing traceability, tracking, and real-time coordination with the Uganda Police Command Center in Nagulu.