The Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) has issued a stern warning to motorists against tampering with vehicle tracking devices, calling it both a criminal offense and a serious hindrance to vehicle recovery efforts.
The warning follows the swift recovery of a stolen vehicle using real-time tracking technology an operation that ITMS says illustrates the vital role digital systems now play in modern law enforcement.
Speaking to the media, Priscah Pearl Ayesiga, the ITMS Public Relations and Communications Officer, cautioned vehicle owners against deliberately disabling trackers in hopes of evading traffic enforcement under the Express Penalty Scheme (EPS) Auto system.
“This is counterproductive,” Ayesiga stated. “The tracking system is designed to help recover stolen vehicles not to issue traffic tickets. Disabling it not only breaks the law but significantly reduces the chances of recovering your car if it is stolen.”
She further clarified a common misconception among motorists that disabling a tracker can prevent EPS tickets from being issued.
“That is false. Penalties under the EPS system are linked to registered license plates, not trackers. Even without an active tracker, your vehicle can still be identified and fined. Complying with the system is ultimately in the owner’s best interest,” she emphasized.
Ayesiga’s remarks come after a successful police operation that saw a Toyota Fielder, registration number UAU 812AW, recovered just one day after being stolen from Buloba, along the Kampala–Mityana Road, on May 26, 2025.
According to Traffic Police Spokesperson SP Michael Kananura, the vehicle owner reported the incident immediately at Central Police Station (CPS) Kampala. The receiving officer promptly alerted the ITMS Uganda team, which launched a live tracking operation.
“Using real-time GPS technology, the system quickly pinpointed the vehicle’s location near Ntawo in Mukono District, at coordinates latitude 0.392533, longitude 32.736718,” SP Kananura said.
The vehicle was recovered the next day, reinforcing the effectiveness of ITMS in supporting fast and targeted police action.
Kananura highlighted that ITMS, a government-led initiative, is part of a broader push to digitize traffic enforcement, enhance road safety, and improve national security.
“This is no longer about reactionary policing. With ITMS, we are tracking, responding, and recovering in real-time. It is a transformative tool in our efforts to combat vehicle theft and manage Uganda’s roads more effectively,” he noted.
Despite previous criticism of the Uganda Police Force for publishing images of suspects online while seeking public assistance, authorities now point to systems like ITMS as more ethical, efficient, and evidence-based alternatives that yield measurable results.
Ayesiga concluded by urging vehicle owners to act responsibly by keeping tracking devices active and reporting thefts immediately to the nearest police station.
“The ITMS works best when paired with swift action. Timely reporting, combined with real-time tracking, dramatically increases the likelihood of recovery,” she said.
As Uganda embraces digital solutions in policing, authorities continue to emphasize the importance of public cooperation in ensuring these systems deliver on their promise of a safer, smarter future for all road users.
