By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
Government has agreed to review the current implementation of the Automated Express Penalty System following a public outcry.
The Ministry of Works and Transport today, Tuesday, 10th posted a message on X saying, “In light of feedback received from various stakeholders regarding the implementation of the Automated Express Penalty System; particularly on speed enforcement and red-light violations, @GovUganda is reviewing these views and will provide guidance on the next steps in due course.”
The reaction also comes shortly after the Leader of Opposition wrote to the Ministry of Transport relaying the public outcry especially on red-light violations and speed limits in dangerous spots.
Joel Ssenyonyi argues in his letter dated 10th June, 2025 that while the intention (of EPS) may have been rooted in promoting road safety and order, its current execution has raised widespread alarm among motorists and other road users.
“We are also concerned about the company which is implementing this program; 80% of the revenue from the fines will be taken by this private company (Joint Stock Company-Global Security), and only 20% will go to Government. Additionally, this company has no historical competence of doing this kind of work,” Ssenyonyi argues adding that, “Everything around this project is fishy, and we previously rejected it through a minority report, which was adopted by the whole house.”
Among the issues Ssenyonyi raises include lack of awareness and training of motorists, confusing and inconsistent speed limits, excessive penalties and restrictions and Technical and procedural shortcomings.
An example of an EPS issued in error
Hello Ikras,
Kindly help me send out the information to the Uganda Police. I received an email alert from them claiming I over sped along Entebbe road. Unless I sleep drive, I have not used that road in about 4 weeks. In addition to that, they attached a Toyota Hiace minivan (probably registered with UBM790D or B- image not clear). The worst bit is they included my vehicle details as VW Golf TSI and attached a Taxi in the image!! And a one Twinomujuni Signed off after clearly not confirming the mistake! Kindly ask them where I should go to complain, I don not have the time for court!
The LoP singled out the red-light violations vis a viz Traffic police guidelines saying, “During rush-hour, Traffic police tends to control the flow of traffic. In those cases, motorists have got to ignore the traffic lights and follow the direction of traffic police, which exposes them to the risk of automatic penalties that arises as a result of ignoring the traffic lights.”
However, government insists that in the meantime, all road users are urged to continue observing traffic regulations because the implementation of the system REMAINS in EFFECT as efforts to improve road safety continue.
