Govt suspends automated traffic penalty system after public backlash

The ministry of Works and Transport has suspended the Automated Express Penalty System (EPS Auto) following widespread public outcry from motorists and transport operators.

In a statement released Wednesday night, the ministry said the suspension takes effect at midnight.

“Effective suspension takes effect tonight by midnight. Implementing the automated Express Penalty System (AEPS) is suspended following a comprehensive review,” the statement read.

The ministry added that Gen Katumba Wamala, the minister of Works and Transport, will issue an official statement today outlining the way forward.

“We urge all motorists to continue driving responsibly and to strictly adhere to traffic regulations during this period,” the ministry said.

The move comes after taxi drivers, under the Uganda Federation of Taxi Operators (UTOF), issued a five-day ultimatum to the government to cancel the new traffic regulations, threatening a nationwide protest if their demands were not met.

Earlier on Wednesday, a group of Kampala taxi operators led by UTOF chairperson Rashid Ssekindi petitioned the ministry, calling for the cancellation of new speed limit rules and the digital number plate rollout.

However, a meeting between the operators and ministry officials, including commissioner Winston Katushabe, ended prematurely due to sharp disagreements. While Katushabe hinted at possible adjustments, the operators demanded a total cancellation of the scheme.

In their petition, read by Ssekindi, the operators argued that the EPS Auto system would worsen rather than ease road challenges. Meanwhile, in a related development, a concerned citizen, Kagingo Muhammad Brutus, petitioned the High court seeking an interim injunction against the issuance of digital number plates and the collection of express traffic penalty fees.

Kagingo claims the company overseeing the process, Joint Stock Company Global Security, is fraudulent and was struck off the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) registry after failing to file returns for over five years.

He further alleges that the company was never gazetted as required by law before being awarded the government contract. He links the ongoing outcry over excessive traffic penalties to what he calls the company’s questionable legal status.