Ministry confirms express penalty system review ongoing amid public concerns
The Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) has announced that a comprehensive review of the Express Penalty System (EPS Auto) and its associated speed regulation framework remains actively underway, following its temporary suspension last month.
The automated traffic enforcement system was temporarily halted on June 12, 2025, a decision made by the Minister of Works and Transport in direct response to significant concerns raised by road users, especially operators of public service vehicles.
According to Susan Kataike, Principal Communications Officer and Spokesperson for the MoWT, the suspension’s primary objective is to facilitate “a comprehensive review of the system, regulations, and operational gaps before reinstating implementation.”
Since the suspension, multi-agency meetings have been conducted, bringing together key stakeholders including the Uganda Police Force, Kampala Capital City Authority, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and various technical partners.
These collaborative discussions have led to the identification of several critical issues now under review. These include system-related errors and gaps, the appropriateness of existing speed limits, payment timelines, and the structure of different fees and surcharges.
To address these concerns thoroughly, technical and legal committees have been established. These committees are tasked with studying the identified issues in depth and recommending practical reforms.
The Ministry further clarified that the recommendations emanating from these committees will first be shared with the Ministry’s top leadership before being tabled before Cabinet for consideration. The public will be duly informed of the outcomes of this review process prior to any sensitization campaigns or a potential re-rollout of the system.
While the enforcement of the EPS Auto remains temporarily suspended for this comprehensive review, the Ministry of Works and Transport stressed that all existing road safety laws continue to be in full force.
“The public is reminded to obey existing traffic signs and regulations, respect speed limits and pedestrian zones, and avoid reckless driving and other traffic offences,” the Ministry urged in its update.
Reiterating its commitment to a fair, transparent, and citizen-centred road safety enforcement system, the MoWT thanked the public for its continued cooperation and encouraged all road users to uphold safety as a shared responsibility.
