Ugandan authorities tracked down two suspects in a businessman's murder by using the nation's digital vehicle surveillance network to locate the stolen car driven from the crime scene. Police say Anthony Mutinisa, age 53, was fatally shot on Aug. 25, 2025, and the attacker fled in his black Toyota Land Cruiser V8. Investigators quickly activated the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System and traced the vehicle to Katwe Cell in Kihihi Town Council, where officers arrested Hillary Byaruhanga, 28, and Mark Akampa.
The surveillance program uses electronic chips and Bluetooth beacons embedded in license plates that connect to a central command hub. Authorities can monitor vehicle locations through satellite links, automatic plate recognition cameras and closed-circuit feeds. Any tampering with the plates sends immediate alerts to security agencies. Ministry of Works and Transport officials developed the system with the Uganda Police Force and JSC GS.
Murder remains a serious concern across Uganda. Police data from 2024 recorded 4,329 homicides, representing about 1.9 percent of all crimes reported. The nation averages 25 daily deaths from murder, manslaughter, or aggravated assault, with a rate of 11 per 100,000 residents. By 2025, the tracking system had helped recover 32 stolen cars and 13 motorcycles. Officials aim to expand coverage to all vehicles by 2026.
The surveillance program uses electronic chips and Bluetooth beacons embedded in license plates that connect to a central command hub. Authorities can monitor vehicle locations through satellite links, automatic plate recognition cameras and closed-circuit feeds. Any tampering with the plates sends immediate alerts to security agencies. Ministry of Works and Transport officials developed the system with the Uganda Police Force and JSC GS.
Murder remains a serious concern across Uganda. Police data from 2024 recorded 4,329 homicides, representing about 1.9 percent of all crimes reported. The nation averages 25 daily deaths from murder, manslaughter, or aggravated assault, with a rate of 11 per 100,000 residents. By 2025, the tracking system had helped recover 32 stolen cars and 13 motorcycles. Officials aim to expand coverage to all vehicles by 2026.
