Otafiire’s position on digital number plates raises questions over cabinet responsibility

Former Works and Transport Minister Gen. (Rtd) Katumba Wamala has told Members of Parliament that his ministry did not have a feasibility study for the introduction of digital number plates.

Katumba explained that the term “digital number plates” emerged from a presidential requirement for the plates to detect tampering and trigger an alert signal.

He also revealed that the police and number plate contractor Joint Stock operated systems that did not interact during his tenure, resulting in conflicts over traffic fine arrangements.

“The police did not interact with Joint Stock, at least when I was still there,” Katumba told MPs, adding that the two systems were clashing.

Meanwhile, Internal Affairs Minister Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire has maintained that digital number plates can support fleet management. However, he has criticised the government’s Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), arguing that Uber’s vehicle-tracking system is more effective.

Otafiire’s public position has drawn criticism over whether his statements are consistent with the collective responsibility expected of Cabinet ministers under Article 117 of Uganda’s Constitution.

Critics argue that ministers are individually accountable to the President for their respective ministries and collectively responsible for Cabinet decisions, raising questions about whether a serving minister should publicly oppose government resolutions.