Government has announced fresh nationwide consultations with stakeholders in the transport sector ahead of the planned relaunch of Uganda’s Express Penalty System (EPS) and the Fine Issuance System (FIS).
The automated traffic enforcement programme was suspended last year after motorists, public transport operators and other road users raised concerns about its implementation.
Works and Transport minister Gen Katumba Wamala last week met leaders representing taxi operators, bus companies, truck drivers and boda boda riders to review a draft report assessing the initial rollout of the system.
The minister said consultations will begin in mid-March and will involve transport associations, local leaders, motorists and other stakeholders across the country.
According to the ministry of Works and Transport, the review identified several operational gaps that contributed to public dissatisfaction when the system was first introduced.
Among the concerns raised were inadequate road signage, limited public sensitisation before implementation, and complaints about the 72-hour deadline for payment of fines and the 50 per cent surcharge imposed after that period.
Stakeholders also called for clarification on the 30 kilometres-per-hour 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 phase of the rollout.
Officials said some of these issues had already been corrected before the system was suspended, while others have since been addressed during the review process.
The ministry also acknowledged complaints about the absence of an automated mechanism for lodging complaints. It said a new system is being developed to allow motorists to challenge penalties electronically without requiring 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 per cent of the issues raised by the public were legitimate concerns, many of which have already been rectified in the revised framework for the system.
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 a broad consensus with the public and key players in the transport industry.
Authorities say the automated traffic enforcement system is intended to improve road safety by detecting speeding and other traffic violations through surveillance cameras and issuing electronic fines.
Officials also defended the broader objective of the system, urging the public to support efforts aimed at 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.
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