Africa-Press – Uganda. Pressure is mounting on the government to review Uganda’s Express Penalty System (EPS) after multiple complaints from motorists who say they have accumulated exorbitant traffic fines—sometimes running into millions of shillings—within days.
Duncan Abigaba, a political analyst and government policy commentator, has led a growing online campaign urging Ugandans to boycott the EPS, arguing that Uganda’s current road infrastructure cannot support such a punitive traffic enforcement system.
“Uganda, especially Kampala, is not ready for EPS,” Abigaba said. “Our infrastructure is not there yet. You can’t compare it to other countries.”
Introduced to curb traffic offences and instil discipline on Ugandan roads, the EPS allows law enforcement to issue instant fines for violations such as speeding, reckless driving, and failure to comply with road signage.
However, critics say the fines are excessive, enforcement is arbitrary, and some offenders—particularly politically connected individuals—are exempt.
Kira Municipality Member of Parliament Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda agrees that while the EPS is vital for reducing road carnage, the current penalty structure is too steep and unfairly applied.
“I can’t be among those saying the system is bad. There is a lot of reckless driving,” he noted.
“But what I can call for is a revision in Parliament on the amount paid in penalties.”
Both Abigaba and Ssemujju argue that the penalties must be applied equally, warning that selective enforcement—especially exempting government officials, army officers, and other politically connected individuals—undermines the system’s credibility.
“Penalties should not be selective. We have ministers, RDCs, army personnel who drive recklessly. So the penalty should be for everyone, not just a few,” said Ssemujju.
Abigaba also questioned the integrity of the agreement between the Ugandan government and the Russian firm Joint Stock Company Global Security, which manages the EPS system.
“The negotiation for this EPS and the joint stock company was not done honestly. It was influenced by local brokers who were the primary beneficiaries,” he alleged.
A minority report from the opposition earlier raised red flags over the deal, citing discrepancies in the contractual terms and warning that it lacked transparency.
Despite these concerns—and resistance from some Cabinet ministers—the government proceeded with the agreement, prompting renewed criticism that ordinary Ugandans are again bearing the cost of a poorly negotiated deal.
As calls grow for a review, Parliament is expected to revisit the EPS policy, particularly focusing on the structure of fines, the integrity of enforcement, and transparency in its implementation.
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