The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel B. Ssenyonyi, has written to the Minister of Works and Transport demanding an urgent review of Uganda’s Electronic Penalty System (EPS), describing the current enforcement as “punitive and exploitative.”
In a strongly worded letter dated June 10, Ssenyonyi said the automated system — introduced to enforce traffic regulations and improve road safety — is instead triggering widespread confusion, financial hardship, and fear among motorists.
He cited a surge in complaints about excessive fines, inconsistent speed limits, lack of public sensitization, and a lack of transparency in how the system operates.
Drivers have described the EPS as punitive and exploitative, rather than corrective or educational,” Ssenyonyi wrote, urging the Ministry to recalibrate the system and engage stakeholders in order to restore public confidence.
Schedule 2 of Uganda’s Traffic Regulations caps the maximum speed for most vehicles, including passenger cars, motorcycles, and goods vehicles, at 30 km/h in urban areas, and 50 km/h on highways traversing urban zones.
For certain categories like tractors and engineering plants, the speed limit remains 30 km/h regardless of road type.
Ugandans took to social media where they expressed frustration over the abrupt enforcement and high fines, especially given the lack of visible road signage.
They also called for better public sensitization, a review of the penalty rates to match economic realities, an extension of the payment window to 28 days, and clearer road markings to help motorists comply with the law.
Poor communication
The opposition leader today warned that poor communication about the system has left many road users unaware of how to verify or contest penalties.
He also raised concerns about enforced low-speed zones exposing motorists to security threats such as ambushes, conflicting directives between traffic lights and officers during rush hours, and the risk of travel restrictions or license renewal blocks due to pending or disputed fines.
While Parliament is currently in recess, Ssenyonyi said he found it necessary to raise these matters formally, emphasizing the need for a just and transparent enforcement framework that respects the rights and safety of Ugandans.
Ministry Responds, But EPS Remains in Force
Responding to the mounting public uproar, the Ministry of Works and Transport on Tuesday issued a brief statement acknowledging the concerns raised by stakeholders, including those related to speed enforcement and red-light violations under the EPS.
“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, government is reviewing these views and will provide guidance on the next steps in due course,” the ministry said via its official X account.
However, the ministry clarified that the implementation of the EPS remains in effect, and urged all motorists to continue observing traffic regulations as efforts to improve road safety continue.
The statement signals that while government is open to reviewing aspects of the system, there will be no immediate suspension — a position likely to keep the pressure on officials as complaints continue to surface.