Government Launches Public Consultations Before Express Penalty System Relaunch

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1742 EAT on Tuesday 10 March 2026

The government has launched nationwide consultations with transport sector stakeholders ahead of the planned relaunch of Uganda’s Express Penalty System (EPS) and Fine Issuance System (FIS).

The automated traffic enforcement programme was suspended last year after concerns were raised by motorists, public transport operators, and other road users about its implementation.

Last week, Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala met leaders of taxi, bus, truck, and boda boda associations to review a draft report evaluating the system’s initial rollout.

Consultations are set to begin in mid-March and will involve transport associations, local leaders, motorists, and other stakeholders nationwide.

According to the Ministry of Works and Transport, a review of Uganda’s Express Penalty System (EPS) and Fine Issuance System (FIS) identified several operational gaps that contributed to public dissatisfaction when the programme was first introduced.

Among the concerns raised were inadequate road signage, limited public sensitisation prior to implementation, and complaints about the 72-hour deadline for fine payment and the 50 percent surcharge imposed after that period. Stakeholders also sought clarification on the 30 km/h speed limit in designated safety zones, inconsistencies between some speed camera readings and recommended road speed limits, and the issuance of multiple receipts during the early rollout.

Officials said some of these issues had already been corrected before the system was suspended, while others have been addressed during the recent review process.

The ministry also acknowledged public complaints about the lack of an automated mechanism for lodging challenges, and said a new system is being developed to allow motorists to contest penalties electronically without physical interaction with enforcement officials.

“We need to limit human interaction with the system and move towards full automation,” the ministry said in a statement summarising the review findings.

Government officials noted that more than 90 percent of the issues raised by the public were legitimate concerns, many of which have already been rectified in the revised framework. Issues emerging from the upcoming consultations that require policy adjustments will be forwarded to Cabinet and Parliament for consideration before the system is reinstated.

The ministry emphasised that the EPS and FIS will not be relaunched until there is broad consensus with the public and key players in the transport industry.

Authorities said the automated traffic enforcement system is designed to improve road safety by detecting speeding and other violations through surveillance cameras and issuing electronic fines. Officials urged the public to support the broader objective of reducing road crashes.

“We can compromise on convenience, but we cannot compromise on safety and security,” the ministry said.
Uganda records thousands of road crash fatalities each year, with speeding and reckless driving among the leading causes, according to traffic police data.

-Observer

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