Uganda suspends new automated traffic fine system amid public outcry
Uganda's Minister of Works and Transport, General Katumba Wamala, made the announcement in a statement on X on Tuesday, noting that the suspension has been effected immediately.
Uganda has temporarily suspended its newly unveiled automated Express Penalty System (EPS) following complaints from motorists about its practicality and effectiveness.
Uganda's Minister of Works and Transport, General Katumba Wamala, made the announcement in a statement on X on Tuesday, noting that the suspension has been effected immediately.
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He added that the move was prompted by the need to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the system's implementation process and functionality.
"Effective midnight tonight, the implementation of the automated Express Penalty System [EPS Auto] will be temporarily suspended following a comprehensive review," the statement reads.
Wamala added that he would provide a more detailed statement on Thursday outlining the way forward, while urging motorists to continue observing traffic rules.
The system, rolled out last week, has sparked confusion among motorists, transport operators, and vehicle financing firms due to its strict enforcement and hefty fines.
It automatically detects traffic violations and issues digital tickets via SMS or email, requires that all fines be paid within 72 hours, failing which a 50 per cent overcharge is applied.
Among the key offences targeted under the new system is speeding. For instance, a motorist caught exceeding the speed limit by 1 to 30 kilometres per hour is fined USh200,000 (Sh7,258).
If the speed exceeds the limit by more than 31 kilometres per hour, the fine rises to USh600,000 (Sh21,775).
The regulations also require drivers to keep speeds below 30 km/h in areas near business centres with heavy pedestrian and vehicle activity.
Other fines covered under the EPS include failure to wear a seatbelt, reckless driving and driving a vehicle in a dangerous mechanical condition, among others.
However, motorists argued that the rollout lacked proper infrastructure, particularly road signs to indicate the new speed limits, leading to confusion in already congested areas.
The enforcement sparked widespread backlash with the Uganda Taxi Operators Association threatening to down their tools starting Monday if the system was not suspended.
Car dealers have also voiced frustration, saying they were being unfairly penalised for traffic fines incurred by clients who bought vehicles on hire purchase.
Some even reported that the Uganda Revenue Authority had frozen their accounts to recover the fines.
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