The Ministry of Works and Transport has temporarily suspended the automated Express Penalty System (EPS) following widespread complaints from motorists.
The EPS, a component of the broader Intelligent Traffic Monitoring System (ITMS), automatically issues fines for various traffic violations. These include overspeeding, issues related to vehicle registration plates, failure to wear or fasten helmets, lack of child restraints, allowing children under five to sit in front seats, and other infractions detected by traffic surveillance cameras.
The ITMS project is based on a 10-year contract signed in July 2021 between the government and Joint Stock Company Global Security. The initiative involves installing digital vehicle trackers on cars and motorcycles as part of a broader strategy to enhance national security. It was originally proposed by President Museveni under his 10-point security plan in response to gun violence carried out by criminals using vehicles and motorcycles.
However, the strict enforcement of the EPS has caught many motorists off guard, with many receiving email notifications about traffic violations—often committed unknowingly—and facing fines of Shs 600,000 per offence. Failure to pay within 72 hours results in a 50% surcharge, increasing the total to Shs 900,000.
“Effective midnight tonight, the implementation of the automated Express Penalty System (EPS Auto) will be temporarily suspended following a comprehensive review,” the ministry announced in a statement.
The Ministry added that Minister of Works, Gen. Katumba Wamala, will issue a detailed statement tomorrow outlining the next steps.
“In the meantime, we urge all road users to continue driving responsibly and to observe traffic regulations,” the statement concluded.
