President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that the implementation of digital number plates is not driven by financial motives or the imposition of fines, but rather by the need to curb crime. He made the statement during the reading of the 2025/26 national budget at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Museveni’s remarks came in the wake of the suspension of the automated Express Penalty System (EPS), which had sparked widespread complaints from motorists.
Speaking at Kololo, the president emphasized that digital number plates are primarily a security measure.
“I will not accept Ugandans dying because of incomplete security infrastructure. The cameras have already helped us in several ways, but digital number plates offer even more in the fight against crime,” Museveni said.
“I’ve heard concerns about the digital number plates. Let me be clear—they’re not about fines; they’re for combating crime,” he added.
The EPS is part of the broader Intelligent Traffic Monitoring System (ITMS), which automatically issues fines for various traffic violations. These include overspeeding, improper or missing number 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 stems from a 10-year contract signed in July 2021 between the government and Joint Stock Company Global Security. It involves installing digital trackers on vehicles and motorcycles as part of a national security strategy.
The initiative was originally proposed by President Museveni under his 10-point security plan in response to gun violence perpetrated by criminals using vehicles and motorcycles.
However, the strict enforcement of the EPS has taken many motorists by surprise. Numerous drivers have reported receiving email notifications about traffic violations—often committed unknowingly—and being fined Shs 600,000 per offense. Failure to pay within 72 hours results in a 50% surcharge, bringing the total fine to Shs 900,000.
