Mercedes Becomes First Private Vehicle to be Fitted with Digital Number Plates

Kampala, January 7, 2025 – A Mercedes GLE 350D has become the first vehicle from a bonded warehouse to be fitted with Digital Registration Number Plates.

This was carried out by the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) mobile fitment unit at Tokyo Auto Bonded Warehouse on Old Port Bell Road, marking a milestone in enhancing road safety.

The Ministry of Works and Transport officially launched the third phase of its Digital Registration Number Plates initiative on January 6, 2025.

This phase targets vehicles entering Uganda for first-time registration, with a special ceremony held at Tokyo Auto Bonded Warehouse on Old Port Bell Road.

Cost and Process

The cost of acquiring Digital Registration Number Plates varies: First-time registration is Shs714,300 while already registered vehicles go for Shs150,000 for motor vehicles and Shs50,000 for motorcycles.

A grace period of two years has been provided for the complete migration to digital plates, though citizens are encouraged to migrate early. Applications can be made through the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) portal, and notifications will be sent when plates are ready for installation.

Applicants must meet the following conditions: the vehicle must be registered in the applicant’s name, a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is required.

The rollout commenced on January 6 with fitment services available at key points: Malaba Border Entry Point and Mutukula Border Entry Point.

Categories of Registration

The process is tailored for two key categories:

Direct IM4 Regime: Vehicles entering Uganda from Mombasa or Dar es Salaam can arrive pre-fitted with digital plates and logbooks. After clearing taxes, owners can log onto the booking system (portal@itms_ug.com) to confirm fitment details.

IM7 Regime: Vehicles brought into bonded warehouses and later cleared for registration must undergo assessments on the URA portal. Once confirmed, owners can book for digital plate installation, selecting their preferred location and time for fitment.

Modernising Uganda’s Transport System

This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s broader objective of improving road safety, curbing vehicle theft, and streamlining vehicle registration processes. According to officials, digital plates will provide real-time data tracking and enhance transparency in Uganda’s transport system.

The Ministry urged all vehicle owners to comply with the transition to digital plates. “Making roads your safe space is our priority. Embrace this new technology and contribute to a safer, more efficient transport system,” the Ministry stated.