The Ministry of Works and Transport has announced the temporary suspension of the Automated Express Penalty System (EPS Auto), the traffic enforcement technology introduced to streamline the issuance of fines for road traffic violations.
In a brief statement issued Wednesday evening, the Ministry said the suspension will take effect at midnight tonight, following what it described as “a comprehensive review” of the system’s implementation so far.
“Effective midnight tonight, the implementation of the Automated Express Penalty System [EPS Auto] will be temporarily suspended following a comprehensive review,” the statement reads.
The ministry said a detailed communication on the way forward will be made by Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala on Thursday, sparking public speculation on whether the suspension signals deeper concerns about the system’s effectiveness, legal grounding, or public reception.
While EPS Auto was rolled out as part of the government’s digitalization push to improve traffic law enforcement, it has faced criticism from motorists and civil society groups over issues ranging from erroneous penalties and limited public awareness, to concerns over due process.
Since its rollout, thousands of motorists have received automated penalty tickets, triggered through traffic cameras and roadside monitoring systems that capture license plates of offending vehicles.
Although government had argued the system would enhance road safety and reduce human error or bribery associated with manual enforcement, many drivers have complained of being penalized without sufficient explanation or evidence.
The Ministry, however, emphasized that the suspension does not mean a pause on enforcement altogether.
“We urge all road users to continue driving responsibly and observing traffic rules,” the statement added.
Minister Wamala is expected to clarify whether the review will lead to a full-scale overhaul, technical fixes, or a phased return of EPS Auto once identified gaps are addressed.
The Uganda Police Force, which works closely with the Ministry to enforce traffic regulations, has not yet commented on how the temporary suspension will affect current enforcement operations or pending fines.
The EPS Auto system is part of a wider national strategy to curb road accidents, reduce corruption, and promote efficient public sector service delivery.
As of press time, no timeline has been announced for the possible resumption of the automated system.
