The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has petitioned the Minister of Works and Transport to urgently review and recalibrate the recently intensified Electronic Penalty System (EPS), citing widespread public dissatisfaction and procedural shortcomings.
In a letter dated June 10, 2025, addressed to the Minister of Works and Transport, Ssenyonyi outlined several grievances raised by Ugandan motorists over what he described as the “punitive and exploitative” nature of the current system.
“While the intention behind the EPS may have been rooted in promoting road safety and order, its current execution has raised widespread alarm,” he wrote. “Motorists have complained about excessive issuance of traffic fines without clear and accessible justification.”
Among the specific issues raised in his letter are the lack of awareness and training among motorists, confusing and inconsistent speed limits and security risks arising from low-speed enforcement, particularly in high-risk areas such as the Kampala Northern Bypass.
“Certain areas are enforcing low-speed limits without clear signage or logical justification, creating confusion and inadvertent violations,” Ssenyonyi noted.
He added, “The slow speeds required by the EPS in high-risk areas like the bypass expose motorists to ambushes, including attacks by criminals wielding stones.”
The opposition leader also highlighted excessive penalties that restrict movement with some drivers unable to renew licenses or travel due to pending fines and technical shortcomings leading to erroneous tickets. Additionally, he warned of conflicts between traffic light instructions and police commands, which expose drivers to penalties even when following lawful orders.
“Road safety is a shared goal,” he said, “but it ought to be pursued in a manner that is fair, just, and respectful of the rights and safety of Ugandans.”
Ministry Defends EPS Rollout as Life-Saving Initiative
The Ministry of Works and Transport, in collaboration with the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System Uganda (ITMS note that the initiative is designed to combat Uganda’s high rate of road fatalities, with speeding identified as a major cause.
According to the 2024 Uganda Police Annual Crime Report, 44.5% of all road crashes were attributed to speeding. In 2024 alone, Uganda recorded 25,107 road crashes, resulting in 5,144 deaths.
Winston Katushabe, Commissioner of Transport Regulation and Safety, clarified the standardized speed limits being enforced under the EPS framework: 30 kph (18 mph): Residential areas, schools, hospitals, and markets, 50 kph (31 mph): Urban centers and town highways, 80 kph (50 mph): Expressways with controlled traffic and 100 kph (62 mph): Maximum on designated expressways.
“The 30 kph limit is not universal,” Katushabe said, “but applies to zones with high human traffic, to protect vulnerable road users like children and pedestrians.”
The EPS utilizes Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to detect speeding and issue penalties in real-time. Offenders exceeding the speed limit by 1 to 30 kph are fined Shs200,000, while those exceeding by 31 kph or more are fined Shs600,000.
ITMS officials also noted via social media that the system is now active on major roads and intersections, with cameras calibrated to interpret signage accurately.
“Drivers must be alert and aware of road signage at all times,” an ITMS statement read. “The cameras are smart if you’re over the limit near a hospital, school, or residential area, the system will catch it.”
The Ministry urged motorists to comply with posted limits and traffic rules.
“Speeding is among the five major risk factors contributing to road crashes,” read a public advisory. “Respect the rules of the road. Avoid penalties. Save lives.”
While Ssenyonyi acknowledged the importance of road safety, he stressed the need for transparency, fairness, and greater public sensitization. He called for consultations with stakeholders and procedural reforms to ensure the system supports, rather than penalizes, responsible road use.
“I request your office to review the implementation of the EPS, conduct broad consultations, and institute corrective measures where necessary,” he wrote. “Please consider this letter a formal appeal for urgent review.”
The Minister of Works and Transport is yet to issue an official response to the letter.
