18/04/2025
Uganda will from April 23 begin issuing automated traffic fines under a new system designed to tackle the country’s rising road carnage.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has confirmed the rollout of the Automated Express Penalty System (EPSAuto), part of the Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS), to enforce traffic laws using CCTV cameras, digital number plates, and real-time data integration.
The system will automatically detect violations such as speeding, red-light running, failure to wear helmets, improper use of child restraints, and offences related to number plates.
Offenders will be identified through number plate recognition, and issued e-fines supported by photo or video evidence.
“Each offence is logged into the ITMS database, verified by a police officer, and communicated to the vehicle owner via SMS or email,” the Ministry said in a statement dated April 16.
Fines will be payable through mobile money (MTN and Airtel), banks, POS, and online platforms linked to Uganda Revenue Authority and the police.
However, in Uganda's unregulated car dealership sector, it remains to be seen how the system would work in cases where vehicle ownership is not fully transferred to the user.
This is because many people do not fully own the cars they drive with the log book in the hands of the sellers until a vehicle is fully paid for.
Both the Ministry communications officer Allan Ssempebwa and the spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, Michael Kananura, have been contacted on the dilemma this might pose.
However, once it kicks off, defaulters risk vehicle impounding, denial of registration services, and court summons.
The new system follows a grim trend: road fatalities rose by 80.8% in the past decade, from 2,845 in 2014 to 5,144 in 2024.
Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, cyclists, and motorcyclists—made up 60% of last year’s deaths. Careless overtaking and speeding were the leading causes, accounting much of this
