By The Uganda Police’s Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has announced a temporary suspension of issuing fines under the recently revised traffic regulations, following a public outcry over what many described as abrupt and confusing enforcement of harsh new penalties.
Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Lawrence Nuwabiine, who heads the Directorate of Traffic Police, said the move is meant to allow time for a comprehensive national education campaign aimed at creating awareness of the new rules.
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“We have heard from the public. Many drivers did not know the law had changed or what the new provisions entail,” AIGP Nuwabiine stated. “It would be unjust to continue issuing fines without adequate sensitisation.”
Since the new regulations came into effect on May 20, 2025, traffic officers had begun enforcing the updated Express Penalty Scheme (EPS), which now gives motorists just 72 hours to clear traffic fines a sharp reduction from the previous 28-day grace period.
Failure to pay within this short window results in a 50% surcharge, a clause that has caught many drivers off guard.
In one recent case, a motorist, Laban Mujuni Mboneizina, was fined Shs40,000 simply for not carrying a copy of his car’s registration book — a requirement outlined in Section 146(2) and (5) of the amended Traffic and Road Safety Act. The provision, though long-standing, had not been actively enforced until last week.
The revised law, which represents Uganda’s most far-reaching road safety overhaul in two decades, introduces stiffer penalties across a wide range of infractions. For example:
- Exceeding the speed limit by 1–30km/h carries a Shs200,000 fine. Going beyond that attracts Shs600,000.
- Driving without valid insurance or a licence is punishable by fines ranging between Shs200,000 and Shs600,000, or up to two years in prison.
- Drunk drivers face Shs500,000 fines, mandatory court appearances, and potential licence suspension.
- Careless or reckless driving could result in fines up to Shs1.8 million or jail terms of up to three years.
The Uganda Police Force has been intensifying enforcement in recent months following a rise in road crashes, particularly involving motorcycles and commuter minibuses. Officials believe that strict application of these laws could significantly reduce fatalities, but acknowledge the need for public buy-in.
In Kampala, taxi drivers like James Tumwine expressed anger and confusion after being fined without prior notice. “I had no idea the penalties had changed. I was fined for expired insurance before I could even renew it,” he said.
Recognising these grievances, Nuwabiine said the Directorate would lead a countrywide public sensitisation campaign in partnership with various government agencies. The programme will include radio talk shows, social media campaigns, printed handouts, and community engagements to explain the new traffic provisions and their implications.
“Our goal is not just enforcement. We want to build a culture of safe and responsible road use,” said Nuwabiine.
Despite the pause in fines, police have warned motorists that the new law remains in effect and drivers must still observe traffic rules. “The suspension should not be taken as a licence to break the law,” Nuwabiine cautioned.
The EPS had come under fire last week when several motorists received surprise tickets for rarely enforced offences. Some of the clauses had remained dormant for years, prompting complaints that their sudden activation was unjust.
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The suspension of enforcement offers temporary relief to drivers, but authorities insist it is only a pause. No clear timeline has been given for when fines will resume, but traffic police pledged to provide advance notice and ensure public understanding.
As Uganda rolls out this ambitious road safety reform, its success, officials admit, will depend not just on tough penalties but also on ensuring motorists are fully informed and prepared to comply.
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