New Number Plate Company Refutes Reports of Data Privacy Violation

Virtus Global Security has clarified that the company’s Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) project in Uganda — also known as the Safe City Project — is primarily focused on public safety, reducing traffic accidents, and supporting police investigations, not on tracking private citizens.

Speaking in an interview with Sanyu Fm, The Managing Director of Virtous Global Security, Damir Makhmutov explained that the system is being implemented in partnership with the Uganda Police Force and the Ministry of Works and Transport to enhance discipline among road users and digitize vehicle registration processes.

“We are focused on the security of the public and helping the police reduce traffic accidents together with the Ministry of Works and Transport,” Makhmutov said. “We aim to achieve this through disciplined behavior from road users. We are also helping to digitize the motor vehicle registration processes and assisting the police in investigations to fight crime.”

When asked whether the system includes vehicle tracking or driver data, Makhmutov clarified that the company only aggregates and analyzes data relevant to public safety and does not handle personal data unless it relates to a suspect under investigation.

“We don’t handle any personal data if it is not part of a suspect’s information,” he noted. “For instance, when we capture a number plate, we only access the motor vehicle registration database to identify the owner and contact them about a traffic violation.”

Addressing public concerns about data privacy and security, Makhmutov emphasized that all collected information is fully controlled by the Uganda Police Force and the Ministry of Works and Transport, not by Virtus Global Security.

“We follow international standards for security projects. We do not own or have access to government data. We simply provide the tools, software, and support to help the authorities operate the system,” he explained.

He further revealed that Virtus Global Security works with several Ugandan subcontractors and employs over 270 Ugandans as part of its local capacity-building initiative.

“This year alone, we have trained 900 police officers. We do a lot of joint work with the government and our Ugandan employees,” Makhmutov said.

Responding to public rumors circulating online that the new number plates bring up UAE information when scanned, Makhmutov dismissed the claims as false.

“That is not true. It’s just a rumor,” he said. “The QR code on the number plates is encrypted and meant only for authorized officers to verify authenticity. It is not for public use.”

He added that the company regularly conducts workshops with ministries, private sector stakeholders, and transport operators to promote public understanding of the project.

“We hold these sessions about twice a month to answer any questions. We welcome open dialogue but it’s important that people seek clarification before 

Meanwhile, Russia and Uganda have also agreed to boost collaboration in digital transformation and cybersecurity. Under the new cooperation, Kaspersky Lab will support Uganda in developing a national cybersecurity system and training local experts, while Virtus Global Security will lead data digitization projects in the transport sector as part of the broader Smart City and Safe City initiatives.