New Digital Number Plates to Mitigate Security Threats against Motorbike Riders

The Ministry of Works and Transport has unveiled the new look of Motorcycle and Tri-Cycle Digital Registration Number Plates.

A total of 9,784 motorcycles have been fitted with the New Digital Registration Number Plates since commencement on 1st November 2024, according to the ministry.

“The new Intelligent Transport Monitoring System – will enable real-time tracking and identification of motorbike users which will greatly mitigate the security threats that are posed by criminals who wrongfully use motorbikes,” said the ministry on its X platform.

The New Digital Registration Number Plates for Private and all other Vehicles will be rolled out on January 6, 2025.

All new vehicles registered from 6th January onwards will be required to register with the New Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS).

One component of this project is the installation of digital number plates fitted with a digital tracker and vehicle owner’s particulars for improved road safety and general transport regulation.

New driving licences

Following a directive by H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the driving license fees for motorcycles were revised downwards to Ugx.100,000.

Every rider is now expected to obtain a driver’s license after training from a licensed driving school. This effort is intended to ensure that every person entrusted to drive/ride on the roads is properly trained and qualified.

Helmets and reflector jackets

In November this year, a consultative meeting with motorcycle assembling companies, dealers and financiers agreed that no motorbike leaves the assembly plant without two standard helmets.

Regulations for the standardisation of helmets are already in place and these must be strictly adhered to for any motorcycle to get registered.

This is just one of the measures being put in place to streamline the boda-boda industry and return sanity to Ugandan roads.

Additionally, Boda-Boda riders in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area are to be dressed in uniform identifier reflector jackets.

The jackets will include a photo, name and contact of the rider with a QR code, the jackets will also be colour-coded according to the various divisions.

These details will also sync with the details of the motorcycle being ridden, these include the registered number plate. Colour code examples include; Pink (Kampala Central), Dark blue (Makindye) and Forest Green (Nakawa).

In 2023, a total of 2,234 deaths were recorded as a result of boda vida crashes. 8,780 serious road crash injuries reported in the same year were sustained by motorcycle riders and their passengers.