Otafiire Sparks Uproar with 'Not My Issue' Outburst Over Number Plate Scandal

A light-hearted moment emerged from an otherwise serious press briefing when Uganda’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Maj. General Kahinda Otafiire, delivered a blunt and unexpected response to a journalist’s question about digital number plate tracking.

Asked to clarify the government’s stance on the recent controversy surrounding the initiative, Gen. Otafiire, visibly irritated, snapped, “Number plate si kyange. That’s not my concern!”—a remark that has since gone viral.

The statement, loosely translated as “That’s not my issue,” instantly triggered laughter among journalists present, with some echoing the phrase “tayagala kumanya” (he doesn’t want to know), which quickly trended on social media platforms.

Otafiire, known for his tough and unfiltered demeanor, appeared dismissive of the question, perhaps viewing it as provocative or off-topic.

However, critics swiftly responded, pointing out that as Minister of Internal Affairs, the digital number plate program is indeed part of his jurisdiction.

Some Ugandans saw humor in the moment, sharing memes and remixes of the phrase online, while others expressed concern over what they perceive as a lack of seriousness on issues tied to national security and public policy.

Opposition figures have also weighed in, accusing the minister of trivializing a matter that affects citizen privacy and road surveillance.

Supporters, on the other hand, argue that Otafiire was simply being candid and realistic about bureaucratic boundaries.

Either way, the comment has reignited debate around transparency and leadership in government reforms