Uganda to launch digital system to enforce traffic laws

KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda will launch a new digital system today to catch and fine traffic violators, aiming to curb a sharp rise in road accidents.

The Ministry of Works and Transport will launch the Automated Express Penalty System (EPSAuto) on April 23, 2025.

According to the 2024 Police Annual Crime Report, road deaths in Uganda have surged to 5,144, an 80.8% increase from the 2,845 deaths reported in 2014.

The report highlighted that vulnerable road users were disproportionately affected, including pedestrians (1,666), motorcyclists (1,720), passengers (1,307), and cyclists (138).

Motorcycle-related deaths accounted for about 47% of the total. In addition to the fatalities, 17,013 people were seriously injured in road crashes in 2024.

The primary causes of these accidents were careless overtaking (5,657 cases) and speeding (5,505 cases), accounting for nearly half of all incidents.

The EPSAuto system will use digital number plates, CCTV surveillance, and central command centers to automatically detect and penalize drivers who violate traffic rules, particularly by speeding or running red lights.When a violation is detected, the system captures the vehicle’s number plate, the time and location of the offense, and photographic or video evidence.

This information is verified by a police officer and stored in the national ITMS database. The system then generates an electronic fine (E-fine) that is sent to the vehicle owner via SMS or email.

The notification includes details of the offense, the fine amount, the payment deadline, and payment methods (MTN, Airtel, banks, online, or point-of-sale machines).

Officials said that failure to pay the fine could result in vehicle impoundment, court appearances, denial of vehicle registration, and the accumulation of unpaid fines.

The government has been conducting outreach to groups such as motorcycle taxi (boda-boda) drivers, truck drivers, and commercial transport operators to explain the new system.

The government also updated the Traffic and Road Safety (Speed Limits) Regulations of 2004 to support the digital transition.

A Ministry official stated, “Technology in traffic control is no longer a choice. It is necessary to protect lives and make every road user responsible.”

The government anticipates that EPSAuto will improve driver behavior, enhance road safety, and significantly reduce road fatalities in the coming years.