The enforcement of the Traffic and Road Safety (Speed Limit) Regulations, 2024 has officially begun, introducing major changes to the rules for road users in Uganda.
Until now, many drivers operated under the belief that they could exceed posted speed limits by up to 8 kilometers per hour without penalty, and that a fine of UGX 100,000 would only be issued if flagged down by a traffic officer.
This is no longer the case.
With the introduction of the new regulations and an automated enforcement system, any violation of the prescribed speed limit will now attract penalties—starting at UGX 200,000.
For instance, the speed limit on the Kampala Northern Bypass is set at 70 km/h. Under the new rules:
- Exceeding the limit by 1–30 km/h will incur a fine of UGX 200,000.
- Driving above 100 km/h will attract a heavier fine of UGX 600,000, equivalent to 30 currency points.
Previously, many motorists would drive as fast as conditions allowed, only slowing down when encountering speed humps or spotting traffic police officers. Now, enforcement will be largely automated.
Introduction of EPS Auto
The Automated Express Penalty Scheme (EPS Auto) has been rolled out to support police operations. Using roadside security cameras and sensors, EPS Auto monitors and records the speed and movements of vehicles without the need for direct police interaction.
Here’s how it works:
- Cameras are installed at key points like intersections and highways.
- These cameras automatically detect traffic violations such as speeding, running red lights, or illegal lane changes.
- When a violation occurs, the system captures images or videos of the vehicle and its license plate.
- After verification, a ticket—complete with evidence—is issued to the registered vehicle owner, who can either pay the fine or contest it.
Why the New System Matters
Uganda has witnessed an alarming rise in road fatalities—an 80% increase over the past decade, from 2,845 deaths in 2014 to 5,144 deaths in 2024, according to police records.
Notably, 60% of these fatalities involved vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, most of whom were not operating vehicles.
Speeding has been cited as the leading cause of these accidents, alongside other risk factors including:
- Drunk driving
- Failure to wear helmets
- Improper use of seat belts
- Lack of child restraints
EPS Auto is specifically designed to protect these vulnerable groups by encouraging behavior change among drivers, which research shows can significantly enhance road safety.
Other Key Provisions
The new Speed Limit Regulations also introduce:
- Standardized speed limits for different categories of roads.
- Clear guidelines for the enforcement and calibration of speed monitoring equipment.
- A 30 km/h speed limit in areas with heavy human traffic—such as towns and built-up areas—lowered from the previous limit of 50 km/h.