KAMPALA, Uganda – Joint Stock Company Globel Security (JSC), the Russian firm behind the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), has come out to defend their system amidst growing concerns over its effectiveness. The ITMS was designed to provide enhanced security features, including digital registration plates with QR codes, to prevent counterfeiting and ensure vehicle identification.
However, motorcycle owners, particularly those in the public service sector, have expressed alarm over the system’s inability to track stolen bikes equipped with the new plates. This contradicts claims of enhanced security, leaving many to question the system’s competence.
“We were promised these plates would prevent theft,” said John Ssemakula, a Kampala-based boda boda rider who reported his vehicle stolen. “But it’s gone, and the police say they can’t trace it. What’s the point of this system?”
Critics allege that the system’s failure stems from a flawed information exchange network, with delays and breakdowns in transmitting incident reports to the central command center.
“The information simply isn’t reaching where it needs to go,” said a traffic police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity. “There’s a serious disconnect between the field and the would-be control room.”
In response to the criticism, JSC highlighted the security features of the digital registration plates, including a unique serial number, country code, verification number, QR code, and GPS tracker. The QR code, in particular, provides an additional layer of security and verification, making it difficult for counterfeiters to reproduce the number plate.
“The QR code is a secure way to verify the vehicle’s ownership and registration,” said a JSC spokesperson. “Only authorized personnel can access the information stored in the QR code, ensuring vehicle registration data remains private and secure.”
The ITMS control system and Uganda Police Command Center have restricted access to the QR code, ensuring that only authorized personnel can retrieve the stored information.
While JSC defends the ITMS, critics remain skeptical about the system’s effectiveness. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the ITMS must demonstrate its ability to provide enhanced security features and prevent vehicle theft if it is to regain the trust of the public.
Number Plate Security Features:
- Unique serial number
- Country code (“UG” for Uganda)
- Verification number to authenticate the number plate
- QR code for secure vehicle identification and verification
- GPS tracker for real-time tracking and recovery
Importance of the Number Plate:
- Vehicle Identification: Unique identifier for each vehicle
- Security: Prevents counterfeiting and ensures authenticity
- Law Enforcement: Provides critical information for investigations and tracking stolen vehicles
- Compliance: Ensures regulatory compliance for vehicle registration and insurance
