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Why was EPS introduced and what is EPS in full?
The Ministry of Works and Transport, in partnership with the Uganda Police, has intensified the enforcement of the Express Penalty System (EPS)—an automated traffic monitoring framework designed to penalize drivers for offenses such as speeding and running red lights. Under the current framework, drivers are expected to pay fines within 28 to 72 days, depending on the violation. Failure to do so attracts a 50 percent surcharge and can lead to restrictions on license renewals and travel.
Azawi Lends Public Support
While the EPS system has stirred widespread anger across Uganda, not all public figures are opposed to it. Celebrated musician Priscilla Zawedde, known professionally as Azawi, has publicly defended the initiative. According to reports, she described the system as a long-overdue measure intended to instill discipline among drivers. Though the exact original post is elusive, several sources credit her with affirming that EPS is essential to curb reckless driving.
Azawi posted on her X account, “Those traffic fines are not really a bad thing , if you work at night you would understand, amazima gali nti tuvuga bubbi nyoo naddala ekiro…hopefully they apply this type of pressure to roads outside the capital because that’s where most fatal accidents happen.”
Her stance has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters commend her courage and commitment to road safety, while critics argue she overlooks the system’s practical flaws.
Drivers Speak Out: “Punitive and Unfair”
Across social media platforms, a wave of frustration continues to swell. Motorists argue that some of the speed limits being enforced—especially the 30 km/h zones on roads like the Lugogo Bypass and Northern Bypass—are not only impractical but dangerous.
Comedian Daniel Irish Kanyerezi has highlighted the potential for crime in these low‑speed areas, pointing out the increased vulnerability of slow-moving vehicles in dimly lit or insecure stretches. Many drivers report being fined for obeying police officers at intersections with malfunctioning traffic lights, adding to concerns over system accuracy. Others have received tickets for infractions committed by those who borrowed their vehicles, creating a chilling effect on car lending.
EPSAutoUg Chronicles: ‘We shall just park our taxis’
“A taxi recently reported earnings of Shs100,000 in a day but was issued a ticket amounting to Shs600,000, payable within three days. Failure to pay within this period would result in an additional 50% penalty, bringing the total to Shs900,000. How is a taxi expected to raise such an amount in only three days, considering the daily income levels? We question whether this is a fair or sustainable business practice. In response, we are considering temporarily parking our vehicles until we receive clarification and guidance from the relevant authorities,” Peter Kaggwa, chairperson Fly Entebbe Express.
Some drivers report accumulating multiple tickets within just days, resulting in fines totalling millions of shillings. This has sparked calls for a more transparent and accountable system.
Legal and Political Pressure Mounts
Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi formally petitioned the Ministry of Works and Transport, describing the current implementation of EPS as “punitive and exploitative.” In his letter dated June 10, he called for immediate reforms, including:
- Clear and consistent speed‑limit signage across all monitored roads
- A well-structured public awareness campaign
- Extension of the fine payment window to 28 days without automatic surcharges
- Transparent disclosure of revenue allocation
- A review of low‑speed zones in crime-prone areas
Ssenyonyi emphasized that while road safety is critical, enforcement must balance fairness and respect for citizens’ rights.
Meanwhile, prominent lawyer Ivan Bwowe announced an X Space discussion to gather public views and explore legal channels for challenging questionable penalties. “We are not against road safety,” he stated, “but any system that affects the public must be implemented with clarity, equity, and due process.”
Who Profits From EPS?
Concerns about financial transparency have intensified. Investigative reports suggest that approximately 80 percent of EPS fine revenue goes to a private foreign contractor—believed to be Russian—while the Ugandan government retains just 15 to 20 percent. Critics argue that this undermines the public interest and demands justification: why no visible infrastructure improvements?
Critics further argue that priorities are misaligned. Rather than focusing on punitive measures, the government should invest in repairing highways, fixing broken traffic lights, and standardizing road signage.
Government Response
The Ministry has defended EPS as essential to improve road safety, citing a 44.5 percent contribution of speeding to road accidents in 2024, with over 5,100 fatalities recorded.
Officials clarified that the 30 km/h limit applies primarily in high-risk zones such as markets, schools, and hospitals. Higher speed limits—50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on expressways, and 100 km/h on select dual carriageways—remain in place elsewhere. They also stressed that EPS relies on both automated detection and police verification before issuing tickets, and fines may be contested in court.
While authorities acknowledge public concern, they have made no indication of suspending EPS, arguing that modern traffic management requires adaptation from drivers.
Final Thoughts
Azawi’s endorsement reflects a desire for order on Uganda’s roads, but the scale of public discomfort points to deeper problems: unfair enforcement, lack of consultation, inadequate signage, and lack of transparency in revenue use. The system risks being perceived not as a safety tool, but as a revenue-generating penalty mechanism.
Driving discipline is essential—but without fairness, transparency, and stakeholder engagement, EPS risks driving public trust off-road.
Frequently Asked Questions About EPS
What is the Express Penalty System (EPS)?
EPS is part of the Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS). It uses red‑light and speed cameras with automatic number plate recognition to issue electronic tickets. Once a violation occurs, a ticket is sent via SMS or email.
How can drivers check if they have an EPS ticket?
Tickets can be checked using the Uganda Police Force mobile app, the EPS online portal, at traffic offices, or through traffic officers equipped with relevant systems.
How much are EPS fines, and what are the speed thresholds?
- Exceeding by 1–30 km/h: UGX 200,000
- Exceeding by more than 30 km/h: UGX 600,000
Other violations (e.g., riding without a helmet or valid insurance) range between UGX 40,000 and UGX 200,000.
What happens if I don’t pay my EPS fine on time?
A 50 percent surcharge is added after 28 days (or 72 hours in some cases). Continued non-payment can result in vehicle impoundment, blocked license renewals, travel restrictions, court summons, or arrest.
Can I contest an EPS ticket?
Yes. Drivers may appeal in court or through traffic police channels. The Ministry is reportedly working to enhance offence descriptions on tickets to aid in disputes.
How and where are EPS fines paid?
Payments are accepted via mobile money (MTN, Airtel), banks, PayWay, agent banking, POS terminals, and designated online portals.
What speed limits does EPS enforce?
- 30 km/h in residential zones, markets, schools, hospitals
- 50 km/h in urban and some highway areas
- 80 km/h on expressways
- 100 km/h on select dual carriageways
What is Uganda’s Express Penalty System (EPS)?
Uganda’s Express Penalty System (EPS), officially known as EPSAuto under the broader Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), was formally launched by the Ministry of Works and Transport on April 23, 2025. It is an automated traffic enforcement system designed to improve road safety by reducing accidents, enforcing traffic discipline, and limiting the role of human error and corruption in law enforcement.
The EPS system uses high-tech cameras installed across major roads and junctions, paired with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to monitor vehicles in real time. These cameras operate 24 hours a day and capture violations like speeding and running red lights without the need for police to physically stop vehicles.
What offences does EPS in Uganda currently monitor?
At this stage of implementation, EPS automatically detects and fines two major offences:
- Speeding
- Red light violations
Other traffic offences, such as improper overtaking, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving without a helmet (for motorcycles), are still being enforced manually by traffic officers. However, these may be integrated into EPS in the future as the system expands.
What are the speed limits under Uganda’s EPS?
The system enforces speed limits based on area type, and each zone has its own designated maximum speed:
- 30 km/h in sensitive zones such as residential areas, school zones, markets, and hospitals.
- 50 km/h on general urban and town roads.
- 80 km/h on national highways.
- 100 km/h on designated expressways (like the Entebbe Expressway and others designed for high-speed transit).
These speed limits are fixed and programmed into the system. Any vehicle detected exceeding these speeds will automatically trigger a fine, regardless of driver intent or circumstance.
How much are EPS fines in Uganda?
EPS uses a structured penalty framework depending on the degree of the offence:
- If a driver exceeds the speed limit by 1 to 30 km/h, they are issued a fine of UGX 200,000.
- If a driver exceeds the speed limit by more than 30 km/h, they are fined UGX 600,000.
Other fines under the system vary depending on the offence, ranging from UGX 20,000 to UGX 200,000 for specific violations that will be implemented as the system broadens.
How do I know if I’ve received an EPS ticket?
Once a violation is detected, the system captures the vehicle’s number plate, speed, time, and GPS location. This data is reviewed and confirmed by a traffic officer before being issued as an official offence ticket. The registered vehicle owner is then notified through SMS or email, with full details of the violation—including:
- The offence committed.
- The date and time of the incident.
- The exact location (road or junction).
- The fine amount due.
- Instructions for how to pay.
How long do I have to pay an EPS fine in Uganda?
Drivers are expected to pay their EPS fines within 28 days of receiving the ticket. Some officials have emphasized a 72-hour period to avoid a penalty increase, especially during the early days of the rollout.
If payment is not made within this timeframe, a 50 percent surcharge is applied to the original fine amount.
How can I pay EPS fines in Uganda?
Payment methods currently accepted include:
- MTN and Airtel mobile money
- Bank payments through selected financial institutions
- PayWay machines
- POS terminals
- Uganda Police and URA payment platforms
The government has also made arrangements to integrate EPS payment systems into public service centers and online portals for ease of access.
What happens if I don’t pay my EPS fine?
Failure to pay EPS fines within the required period can result in several serious consequences, including:
- A 50% surcharge added to the original fine.
- Impoundment of the vehicle in question.
- Denial of vehicle registration or license renewal.
- Blocked export clearance or international travel for individuals with unresolved violations.
- Prosecution in court, which may include arrest warrants for repeated or serious non-compliance.
These measures are in place to ensure full compliance with traffic laws and to reinforce road discipline across the country.
Can I appeal an EPS fine in Uganda?
Yes, vehicle owners have the right to dispute any fine they believe was wrongly issued. This can be done through formal appeal channels provided by the Uganda Police or through the court system. The Ministry has acknowledged public complaints about the need for clearer ticket information and has committed to improving how offences are described to make it easier for motorists to understand and challenge them if necessary.
Who is affected by EPS in Uganda?
The system applies to all drivers in Uganda, including:
- Private vehicle owners
- Commercial vehicles
- Public transport operators (buses, taxis, matatus)
- Boda-boda and motorcycle riders
Emergency service vehicles—such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police patrols on duty—are exempt from EPS enforcement.
There is no distinction between traditional number plates and the new digital license plates; the cameras are calibrated to detect and process all types.
Why did Uganda introduce the EPS system?
According to the Ministry of Works and Transport and Uganda Police, the EPS was introduced in response to rising road accidents and traffic fatalities. In 2024 alone, Uganda recorded over 5,000 road deaths—a disturbing increase from previous years. Speeding and careless overtaking were identified as major causes of these deaths.
Beyond safety, the EPS also seeks to:
- Minimize opportunities for corruption and bribery.
- Improve the efficiency of traffic law enforcement.
- Shift the burden of evidence from traffic police officers to an automated system that is backed by visual proof.
- Reduce long queues in court by handling minor traffic offences administratively.
The system is part of a broader digital transformation strategy for Uganda’s transport and safety infrastructure.
What changes are expected in the future for EPS?
Currently, EPS focuses mainly on speeding and red-light violations. However, the government plans to integrate more offences into the automated system gradually. Authorities are also running public sensitization campaigns across the country to help drivers understand the system and their responsibilities.
Further upgrades are expected to include:
- Real-time notification systems.
- Mobile apps to track fines.
- Expanded use of digital plates for better vehicle identification.
- Community consultations to address specific public concerns, such as speed limits in insecure areas or outdated signage.
