Ministry of Works Commissioner, Winston Katushabe (R) consulting police officers on the scheme
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Ministry of Works has temporarily halted the automated Express Penalty System (EPS Auto) for traffic enforcement, pending a full review.
The EPS, which uses surveillance technology to detect and penalize traffic violations, faced criticism for alleged inaccuracies in camera readings, unclear road signage, and insufficient public awareness about the new rules.
“A detailed statement is expected from Minister, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala on Thursday, June 12, 2025,” reads part of a statement issued by the Works ministry.
Some of the reasons behind the suspension are the public backlash after the introduction of the scheme.
The Ministry of Works acknowledged these concerns, and now it has announced a review of the system.
“We will therefore address the concerns and conduct public sensitization. This would require us to immediately temporarily suspend the enforcement of EPS fines,” further reads the statement.
The suspension will allow the Traffic Police to engage in nationwide driver education to ensure drivers are aware of the new traffic regulations and penalties.
While fines are suspended, the ministry emphasizes that the EPS remains fully operational and drivers are still expected to adhere to traffic regulations.
Legal battle
A legal battle was also brewing following the activation of the EPS. A concerned Ugandan had run to the High Court seeking an interim injunction stopping the issuance of traffic Express penalty fees from members of the public.
The suit was on grounds that the company collecting the said fees is a fraudulent entity.
Kagingo Muhammad Brutus had contended that the Joint Stock company – Global Security was struck off the register of companies by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau ( URSB) for failing to file its returns for a period of five years.
Global Security is the same company that was awarded a tender to issue and sell digital number plates to the public.
“Global Security was never gazetted as mandated by the law before starting to collect fees from Ugandans for the issuance of digital number plates,” said Kagingo, urging the High Court to issue express orders stopping the rolling out of the digital number plates and collection of Express penalties until court makes a final determination on the legality of the company.
“This company is not paying VAT as the penalty receipts and fines paid are not reflected on the on-line URA payments system –EFRIs,” he pointed out.
Nationwide strike
In opposition against the EPS, taxi drivers and operators had declared a nationwide strike starting Monday, June 16, 2025.
“Should the government refuse to suspend the recently rolled-out Auto Express Penalty System (EPS), which is causing financial hardship due to heavy and unclear traffic fines, we are set to go on an indefinite strike,” they declared in a communique.
This followed a tense meeting on Wednesday at the Ministry of Works and Transport headquarters in Kampala, where their leaders stormed out after officials led by Commissioner Winston Katushabe said only Works Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala holds the power to suspend the EPS.
They were unanimous on concerns that the fines were excessively harsh. They also pointed at the flawed enforcement mechanisms using automated traffic cameras.
The system was rolled out on on June 1st, the system would passle out penalties over overspeeding, driving on stop lines, turning against road signs, and running red lights.
