The Auto EPS traffic fines system has created widespread confusion among Ugandan motorists. In just two weeks since enforcement began, authorities have penalized many drivers, with some paying up to Shs2 million in fines.
Many drivers remain unclear on how traffic penalties are calculated or enforced. For instance, drivers on the Kampala-Entebbe Road and the Entebbe Expressway reported receiving fines despite driving below the posted 80km/h limit. One motorist said he drove at 70km/h but still received a Shs600,000 fine.
This confusion stems from a lesser-known rule. Although highways and expressways allow speeds up to 80km/h, drivers must slow to 30km/h in specific areas. These include zones near schools, hospitals, markets, and busy town centers like Zzana, Najjanankumbi, and Abayita-Ababiri. When motorists fail to reduce speed in these zones, they risk fines, regardless of the main road limit.
The government also changed how drivers can respond to fines. In the past, drivers could reject EPS tickets and choose to contest the charges in court. They could even ask the traffic police to cancel a mistaken ticket. The new Auto EPS traffic fines system, however, doesn’t allow appeals.
Authorities now assign fines directly to vehicle owners, not necessarily the people who committed the traffic offences. This new rule has frustrated loan companies and car dealers. In Uganda, many vehicles are bought on credit and registered under the lender’s name until the buyer clears the loan. When police send fines to registered owners, loan providers end up responsible for violations they didn’t commit.
Charles Mwanguhya, who manages corporate affairs at Tugende—a vehicle financing firm—criticized the system. “The offender is the user of the vehicle. The fine should follow the driver, not the registered owner,” he said. Mwanguhya also emphasized the need to educate the public on how Auto EPS works. Tugende has started consulting other companies in the same industry to develop a response strategy.
The situation becomes even more complex when traffic officers direct drivers to break normal rules during emergencies or traffic jams. Often, police instruct motorists to pass red lights or use opposite lanes to ease congestion. Under the Traffic Act, disobeying a police officer is illegal and punishable by a fine or jail time. However, under the current Auto EPS system, even following such instructions can result in fines.
Rashid Ssekindi, who leads the Uganda Transport Operators Federation, said police officers informed them that fines still apply in such cases. That means drivers can be penalized even if they follow an officer’s direct orders.
The system also issues penalties for a wide range of other infractions. For example:
- Driving with blocked number plates attracts a Shs40,000 fine.
- Operating a vehicle without a valid license costs Shs100,000.
- Driving a vehicle that’s in poor condition results in a Shs60,000 penalty.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs leads to a Shs200,000 fine.
- Failing to yield to emergency vehicles or driving on shoulders also costs Shs100,000.
- Failing to stop at a railway crossing comes with a Shs40,000 penalty.
Government vehicles also fall under the new scheme. Police will send EPS tickets directly to the relevant ministry or agency responsible for the offending car.
Authorities introduced the Auto EPS traffic fines to enhance road safety. But the lack of an appeals process and the unclear enforcement rules have led to widespread dissatisfaction. Many stakeholders believe the system needs urgent review. They want the government to introduce a fair appeals process and conduct public awareness campaigns to prevent further confusion.
Until then, motorists should slow down near populated areas, drive cautiously even when guided by officers, and stay informed to avoid unnecessary penalties.
Read: Speaker Among Urges Strengthening Traffic Regulations in Kampala
