The Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) in Uganda has recently reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the shortage of vehicle number plates in the country.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 2, 2024, the Ministry announced that suppliers ABS and Tumpeco have taken proactive steps to airlift new plates into Uganda by Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
Following a pivotal meeting at the MoWT headquarters, attended by representatives from the ministry, vehicle importers, dealers, and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), efforts are being made to tackle the issue of unregistered vehicles.
To expedite the resolution of the backlog, URA has pledged to give priority to registration processes upon the arrival of the new plates, as stated in the official announcement.
Both the Ministry and URA have advised the public to ensure that their vehicle taxes are up to date in preparation for the influx of new stock.
High-level engagement for timely resolution
Moreover, URA is set to launch a pilot 24/7 operation from September 3, 2024, aimed at clearing the backlog of unregistered vehicles in the bonds, with the objective of enhancing operational efficiency and reducing waiting times for vehicle owners.
The shortage of registration plates sparked urgent discussions among key stakeholders, including Gen.
Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, and the Commissioner for Transport Regulations and Safety, who engaged with suppliers and importers to find a prompt resolution.
Amidst these developments, the government calls for public patience and reassures ongoing efforts to address the situation and implement sustainable solutions.