KAMPALA, Uganda | In a letter to the minister of works and transportation, Joel B. Ssenyonyi, the leader of the opposition in parliament, has called for an immediate review of Uganda’s Electronic Penalty System (EPS), calling the current implementation “punitive and exploitative.”

In a letter dated June 10, Ssenyonyi claimed that the automated system, which was put in place to enforce traffic laws and increase road safety, is actually making drivers more confused, afraid, and financially disadvantaged.

According to Ssenyonyi, drivers have characterised the EPS as exploitative and punitive rather than remedial or instructive. calling on the ministry to engage stakeholders and recalibrate the system to regain public trust.

Additionally, Ssenyonyi expressed concerns about enforced low-speed zones putting drivers at risk for security threats like ambushes, conflicting traffic light and officer directives during rush hours and the possibility of licence renewal blocks or travel restrictions because of unpaid or contested fines.

According to Schedule 2 of Uganda’s Traffic Regulations, the maximum speed for the majority of vehicles, including motorcycles, passenger cars, and goods vehicles, is 30 km/h in urban areas and 50 km/h on highways that cross urban areas.

While urging the public and road users to continue monitoring traffic, the Ministry of Works and Transport revealed that they are collaborating with the Ugandan government to review the input received.

“Given input from stakeholders on the Automated Express Penalty System’s implementation, specifically on speed enforcement and red light infractions, the government is analysing these opinions and will offer guidance on the next steps in due course.”