The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Besekezi Ssenyonyi, has written to the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, expressing serious concerns over the recently introduced automated Electronic Penalty System (EPS).
Implemented approximately two weeks ago, the new system uses road surveillance cameras to automatically issue penalties to drivers who violate traffic regulations.
Common offences include speeding and disobeying traffic lights. Under the updated framework, the grace period for settling fines before a 50% surcharge is imposed has been drastically reduced from 28 days to just three.
Additionally, penalties for certain violations, such as speeding, have sharply increased—from UGX 200,000 to UGX 600,000.
The rollout has sparked outrage among motorists, many of whom are calling on the government to reconsider the policy.
In his letter, Ssenyonyi states that he has been approached by numerous citizens urging him to raise their concerns at the national level.
“While the intention behind the EPS may have been rooted in promoting road safety and order, its current execution has raised widespread alarm among motorists and other road users.
I have personally received numerous complaints pointing to the system’s relentless and, in many cases, excessive issuance of traffic fines without clear and accessible justification.
In particular, drivers have described the EPS as punitive and exploitative, rather than corrective or educational,” the letter reads in part.
Ssenyonyi highlights several areas where the EPS implementation has fallen short, notably the lack of public awareness and training on how the system operates, how to verify penalties, and how to appeal wrongful fines.
He also cites confusion surrounding speed limits, particularly in areas like the Kampala Northern Bypass, where signage is either missing or unclear-resulting in unintentional violations.
Furthermore, the Opposition Leader raises safety concerns, noting that excessively low speed limits in certain areas, such as the Northern Bypass, expose drivers to increased security risks, including potential ambushes and criminal attacks.
Ssenyonyi also criticizes the harsh restrictions imposed on motorists with unpaid fines, such as being barred from leaving the country or renewing their driving permits.
The letter underscores that some fines have been issued in error or without drivers being informed of the specific violation committed—factors that, according to Ssenyonyi, erode public confidence in the system.
He calls on the Minister to urgently review the EPS, consult widely with stakeholders, and implement necessary adjustments to address public grievances.
“While I would have preferred to raise these matters directly on the floor of Parliament, I am unable to do so as the House is currently in recess.
Nonetheless, I request that your office review the implementation of the EPS, conduct broad consultations with stakeholders, and institute corrective measures where necessary.
Road safety is a shared goal, but it ought to be pursued in a manner that is fair, just, and respectful of the rights and safety of Ugandans,” Ssenyonyi concludes.
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