Companies currently responsible for supplying vehicle number plates in Uganda, GM Tumpeco and Arnold Brooklyn Company (ABC) Limited, have spoken out regarding the recent shortage that has affected the motor vehicle industry.
Addressing the media, representatives from both companies assured the public that the supply of number plates has resumed and that steps are being taken to ensure a steady flow moving forward.
Elvis Ssekyanzi, the Executive Director of GM Tumpeco, acknowledged the temporary shortage but clarified that it was due to delays related to the government’s planned rollout of digital number plates.
“The repeated postponement of the launch of digital number plates created uncertainty within the supply chain,” Ssekyanzi explained. “Our contracts with the Ministry of Works were intentionally short-term to align with the expected transition to the digital system.”
Ssekyanzi emphasized that the companies had already received a new shipment of number plates, ensuring a steady supply for the market.
“Over the past 24 years, GM Tumpeco and ABC Limited have delivered without shortages. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serving our clients with reliability and consistency,” he stated.
Jyoti Puri, General Manager of ABC Limited, reiterated the company’s collaboration with the government to maintain a continuous supply.
“We have always worked closely with the Ministry of Works and Transport to ensure the availability of number plates for Ugandans,” Puri noted. “It is important that we align production cycles with government timelines to avoid any supply disruptions.”
Both companies urged the government to consider longer-term contracts to avoid future supply gaps, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the digital number plate launch. “We are confident in our ability to meet the demand once long-term contracts are secured,” Puri added.
The number plate suppliers also reassured the public of their dedication to high standards of service delivery. “Our commitment to quality and timely delivery is unwavering. We take great pride in being able to serve the nation,” Puri said.
GM Tumpeco and ABC Limited reaffirmed their dedication to providing a reliable and consistent supply of vehicle number plates and expressed confidence in their capacity to serve Uganda effectively, as they have done for more than 24 years.