Uganda Suspends Controversial Electronic Penalty System Following Public Outcry
Government halts automated traffic fines system at midnight for comprehensive review as Minister Katumba Wamala prepares official statement
KAMPALA – The Ugandan government has announced the temporary suspension of its controversial Electronic Penalty System (EPS Auto), effective from midnight, following widespread public criticism over harsh fines and implementation concerns.
The Ministry of Works and Transport confirmed the decision in a brief statement, citing the need for “a comprehensive review of its performance and operational procedures.” The automated system, which has been issuing traffic violation tickets through electronic monitoring, will be paused while authorities assess its effectiveness and address mounting public concerns.
Works and Transport Minister General Katumba Wamala is expected to deliver an official statement detailing the government’s way forward regarding the electronic penalty system. The announcement comes after days of intense public debate over the system’s implementation and impact on motorists.
The timing of the suspension suggests the government is responding to significant pressure from drivers who have complained about the system’s approach to traffic enforcement.
The EPS Auto has faced mounting criticism since its implementation, with motorists raising concerns about:
- Excessively high penalty amounts that many consider disproportionate to violations
- Poor road signage making it difficult for drivers to comply with speed limits
- Short payment windows that see fines increase dramatically within days
- Lack of adequate public education before the system’s rollout
Social media has been flooded with complaints from drivers who received multiple tickets during single journeys, with some facing fines totaling over one million shillings for speed violations in poorly marked zones.
Despite the suspension, the Ministry emphasized that road safety remains a priority. Officials urged motorists to “continue driving responsibly and to strictly adhere to traffic regulations during this period.”
The statement suggests that while the automated enforcement is paused, traffic laws and manual enforcement by police officers remain in effect.
The Electronic Penalty System was introduced as part of Uganda’s response to a worsening road safety crisis. Official statistics show traffic crashes surged 16% from 20,394 in 2022 to 23,608 in 2023, with fatal accidents reaching 4,179 cases.
Road crashes cost Uganda an estimated 4.4 trillion shillings annually – equivalent to about 5% of the country’s GDP – making traffic safety a significant economic and public health concern.
The suspension provides breathing room for both the government and motorists while authorities conduct their comprehensive review. Key questions likely to be addressed include:
- Whether penalty amounts will be adjusted to reflect economic realities
- How to improve road signage and public education
- Whether payment periods will be extended
- What modifications might be made to enforcement procedures
Minister Katumba Wamala’s forthcoming statement is expected to provide clarity on the timeline for the review and potential changes to the system before any future reactivation.
For now, motorists can drive without fear of receiving automated penalty notices, though the government’s emphasis on continued adherence to traffic laws suggests that traditional enforcement methods remain active.
The suspension represents a significant policy reversal for a system that was positioned as a key tool in Uganda’s fight against road accidents and traffic violations.
The Ministry of Works and Transport’s decision to pause the system demonstrates the government’s recognition that public acceptance and proper implementation are crucial for any traffic enforcement initiative to succeed in the long term.