UCAA Introduces AI-Powered Number Plate Recognition With New Digital Payment Options For Congestion Management at Entebbe International Airport.

By Abraham Lincolns | Entebbe

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has upgraded the parking payment system at Entebbe
International Airport, introducing artificial intelligence-powered number plate recognition and new
digital payment options aimed at easing congestion and reducing delays.

The upgrade is designed to make the airport parking process faster by automatically identifying vehicles
as they enter and leave the parking facility. Under the new system, motorists will have access to flexible digital payment options, including mobile money and other electronic payment platforms, reducing reliance on traditional payment methods.

UCAA Manager of Public Affairs Vianney Luggya says the new system uses AI-powered number plate
recognition for faster processing. At exit points, barriers automatically open once parking fees are paid,
eliminating the need to insert a payment card. The system supports mobile money payments, while Visa
and QR-code options will be introduced as the upgrade is fully rolled out Luggya said the technology is expected to improve the efficiency of vehicle movement at the airport, particularly during periods of heavy traffic.

The number plate recognition technology automatically captures and identifies vehicle registration
numbers at the airport’s parking entry and exit points. The system is intended to reduce the time motorists spend at barriers while allowing vehicles to move through the parking area more efficiently.

The automation is also expected to improve the management of parking transactions by linking vehicle
identification with payment processing.

The upgrade comes as Entebbe International Airport continues to handle significant passenger and
vehicle traffic, particularly during peak travel periods. Long queues at parking entry and exit points can contribute to delays and congestion around the airport. UCAA expects the upgraded system to address some of these challenges by speeding up vehicle processing.

Motorists will also be able to make payments through mobile money and other digital channels,
providing alternatives to cash-based transactions. The parking system upgrade forms part of broader efforts to modernise services at Entebbe International Airport and improve the experience of passengers and other airport users.

By combining automated vehicle identification with digital payments, the new system is expected to
make parking more convenient while improving operational efficiency. The changes are particularly expected to benefit motorists during busy periods when traffic volumes around the airport increase.

UCAA says the improved parking system will contribute to smoother movement through the airport and
reduce unnecessary delays at entry and exit points.