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KAMPALA— The Ministry of Works and Transport has announced a one-month suspension of the automated Express Penalty Scheme (EPS), following widespread public outcry and concerns regarding its implementation.

In a statement issued on Thursday, June 12, 2025, Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala cited numerous complaints from the public regarding the enforcement of the Traffic and Road Safety (Prescription of Speed Limits Regulations), 2025, which is being implemented through the EPS Auto module under the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS).

“The Ministry has received a significant number of concerns from the public about how the system is being enforced,” Gen. Katumba stated. He revealed that the ministry had held discussions with key stakeholders, including the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF), truck driver representatives, and the Airport Taxi Drivers Association, to address the issues raised.

Key Concerns Identified

Some of the major concerns highlighted include

• Errors in syncing the EPS Auto system with police data, leading to duplicated or mismatched offenses.
• Excessively high fines for speeding and an unreasonably short 72-hour payment window.
• Overly broad enforcement of the 30 km/h speed limit, which should apply only in designated areas such as schools, hospitals, churches, and markets.
• Lack of visible speed limit signage on some roads.
• Poor alignment between speed cameras and posted speed limits—particularly on the Nkumba-Katabi section of Entebbe Road.

Gen. Katumba commended the public and transport operators for their calm and civil approach in seeking dialogue rather than resorting to protests or unrest. “This is the right way to resolve grievances,” he remarked.

Temporary Suspension and Next Steps

In light of these challenges, the Ministry has temporarily halted the EPS Auto system from June 12 to July 12, 2025, to allow time for reviewing the regulations, addressing system errors, and conducting public sensitization.

During this period, the Government, led by the Ministry of Works and Transport, will:

• Audit and verify all contested fines issued by the EPS Auto system.
• Review and amend problematic aspects of the regulations.
• Educate the public on traffic rules and the automated penalty system.
• Continue engaging stakeholders for feedback and improvements.

Katumba urged all road users to remain responsible and continue obeying traffic laws during the suspension.

Dealer Backlash and FIS Controversy

The suspension comes after increasing backlash from the business community, particularly vehicle dealers. Isaac Balinda, a Kampala-based car dealer, revealed that he had received 378 EPS tickets amounting to UGX 114 million within just five days—fines tied to vehicles sold on installment plans but still registered under his company.

Balinda is among over 1,000 members of the Association of Motor Dealers (AMOD) who petitioned the Government to suspend the Financial Issuance System (FIS), claiming it penalizes them for offences committed by clients yet to transfer vehicle ownership.

The matter further escalated when Internal Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire distanced his ministry—and the Uganda Police Force—from the FIS rollout, stating, “Ask the Ministry of Works and Transport. We [Police under Internal Affairs] are not involved, not even from the start.”

As the suspension takes effect, the Ministry is under pressure to not only improve the EPS system but also to clarify responsibilities among government agencies involved in its enforcement.