The Ugandan government has suspended the Automated Express Penalty System (EPS Auto) for one month, following public complaints over flawed traffic fines, technical issues, and poor implementation.
The suspension, effective from June 12 to July 12, was announced by the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, on Wednesday night via X (formerly Twitter).
“Effective midnight tonight, the implementation of the automated Express Penalty System (EPS Auto) will be temporarily suspended following a comprehensive review. The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, will issue a detailed statement tomorrow outlining the way forward. In the meantime, we urge all road users to continue driving responsibly and observing traffic rules,” read the official statement.
On Thursday, the ministry cited the need for a thorough review, stakeholder consultations, and public education before the system can resume.
“We listened,” said Gen. Katumba. “We’ve received numerous concerns from the public. While our intentions were right, EPS Auto’s implementation needs improvement, both in function and communication.”
EPS Auto was introduced under the Traffic and Road Safety (Prescription of Speed Limits Regulations), 2025, to improve road discipline through automated fines issued via camera surveillance.
The system integrates CCTV surveillance, digital number plate recognition, real-time data analysis, and a national database to detect and record traffic violations. Offenders receive electronic notifications via SMS or email with details of the violation, location, time, fine amount, and payment instructions.
However, the rollout was met with widespread criticism due to technical flaws. Many users reported duplicated or erroneous fines, often caused by mismatches between the Uganda Police EPS database and the new system.
Another major concern was inadequate road signage, especially in enforcement zones, which left drivers unsure of speed limits. In some cases, motorists were fined without any indication that a violation had occurred.
The blanket enforcement of a 30 km/h speed limit across urban areas drew particular backlash, with many arguing it was impractical and misaligned with the original intent of the law.
Drivers reported:
- Multiple penalties for the same offence
- Speeding tickets in areas with no visible signage
- Fines for violations they claimed never happened
- Confusion over limited payment windows and unclear appeal procedures
In response, an emergency meeting was held with stakeholders including the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF), truck drivers, and the Airport Taxi Drivers Association. Participants identified systemic flaws, such as:
- Excessive and poorly explained fines
- Lack of public sensitization before rollout
- An unforgiving 72-hour payment window
- Inconsistent application of speed limits
Gen. Katumba clarified that the 30 km/h limit was intended only for high-risk areas—schools, hospitals, markets, and churches—not entire towns.
He also praised transport sector leaders for engaging in dialogue instead of striking:
“I appreciate the civil approach by taxi operators, truck drivers, and others in seeking engagement instead of resorting to strikes. This is the right way to resolve differences.”
One notable example was Nkumba to Katabi on Entebbe Road, where speed cameras were installed without visible signage. Many drivers received fines without knowing they had broken any rules, highlighting the lack of transparency.
In response to the backlash, Gen. Katumba announced a one-month suspension of EPS Auto to allow for:
- A review and restructuring of the system
- An audit of all fines issued to date
- Reevaluation of the 30 km/h rule to ensure practicality
- Proper marking of speed camera zones with clear signage
The government will also focus on public education, helping drivers understand how the system works, their rights, and how to appeal fines.
More inclusive stakeholder engagement is planned to improve transparency and restore public trust.
“These are not small matters,” Gen. Katumba said. “They affect livelihoods and public confidence. To win cooperation in improving road safety, we must get the basics right.”