Uganda’s road users are experiencing a profound shift in traffic law enforcement with the nationwide rollout of the Automated Electronic Penalty System (EPS Auto), a technology-driven initiative designed to enhance road safety and reduce traffic violations. While the system promises to curb reckless driving and improve discipline on the roads, it has also sparked considerable concern and frustration among motorists who face relentless fines issued by automated cameras.
Background and Implementation
The EPS Auto is part of the broader Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) introduced by the Ministry of Works and Transport. Officially launched in April 2025, the system uses Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and other smart technologies to detect traffic offenses such as speeding, running red lights, wrongful overtaking, and lane indiscipline in real time. Once a violation is recorded, the offender receives an electronic fine notification via SMS or email, eliminating the need for physical stops by traffic police.
This automation aims to tackle longstanding challenges in manual traffic enforcement, including corruption, bribery, and underreporting of offenses. For instance, in 2022, traffic police personnel were implicated in the theft of UGX 3.4 billion by deleting offense records after accepting payments. The EPS Auto system integrates with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to ensure transparency and accountability in fine collection.
Impact on Motorists
Since the system became fully operational, motorists across Uganda have reported being hit hard by the fines. The EPS Auto enforces strict speed limits varying by zone: 30 km/h in residential areas, schools, hospitals, and markets; 50 km/h in urban centers; 80 km/h on regular highways; and 100 km/h on select expressways designed for higher speeds. Violators exceeding the speed limit by 1 to 30 km/h face a fine of UGX 200,000, while those exceeding it by 31 km/h or more are fined UGX 600,000. These fines are automatically generated and sent to vehicle owners without discretion.
The system’s unyielding nature has led to complaints from drivers, especially those frequently traveling on busy corridors like the Kampala-Entebbe Road, where enforcement is particularly stringent. Many motorists feel overwhelmed by the volume of fines and the financial burden, especially given the high penalties for relatively small infractions.
Advantages and Challenges
The government stresses that the EPS Auto is not designed to punish but to instill discipline and save lives by reducing road accidents, which remain a significant cause of death and injury in Uganda. The Ministry of Works and Transport emphasizes that enforcement is coupled with awareness campaigns and community engagement to promote responsible driving.
However, questions remain about the system’s implementation, including concerns about fairness, the timing of fines, and how errors or disputes will be handled. While human oversight is maintained to verify incidents requiring context, the largely automated process leaves little room for leniency or discretion, which some argue could unfairly penalize drivers.
Future Outlook
The EPS Auto represents a critical step toward modernizing Uganda’s traffic enforcement and aligning with global best practices in road safety management. The government continues to review feedback from stakeholders and is expected to provide further guidance on the system’s operation and any adjustments needed to balance enforcement with fairness.
In conclusion, while the automated traffic fines system is significantly impacting Ugandan motorists by imposing strict penalties for violations, it also holds promise for reducing road accidents, curbing corruption, and improving overall road safety. The challenge ahead lies in fine-tuning the system to ensure it is effective, transparent, and equitable for all road users.