By Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has written to the Minister of Works and Transport, raising alarm over what he describes as the “punitive and exploitative” implementation of the Electronic Penalty System (EPS) on Uganda’s roads.
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In a letter copied to the Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister, and the Uganda Police Traffic Directorate, Ssenyonyi outlines serious public concerns about the EPS, which was recently intensified nationwide. While acknowledging the system’s goal of promoting road safety, he said its execution has instead sparked public outrage and confusion.
“I have personally received numerous complaints pointing to the system’s relentless and, in many cases, excessive issuance of traffic fines without clear and accessible justification,” Ssenyonyi noted in the letter. “Drivers have described the EPS as punitive and exploitative, rather than corrective or educational.”
Among the issues raised are inadequate public awareness and training about the EPS, confusing and inconsistent speed limits especially on the Kampala Northern Bypass, and the security risks posed by enforced low driving speeds in high-crime areas. He also highlighted the problem of motorists facing harsh restrictions for pending tickets, such as being unable to renew licenses or travel abroad, even when appeals are unresolved.
The letter also questions technical lapses, including reports of erroneous or unexplained fines, and a lack of transparency in the system. Ssenyonyi emphasized the contradiction between traffic police instructions and traffic light enforcement during peak hours, which often leads to automatic penalties for drivers simply following police orders.
Due to Parliament being in recess, Ssenyonyi said he was unable to raise the matter on the floor of the House but insisted the urgency could not wait. He called on the Ministry to initiate a thorough review of the EPS, engage all stakeholders, and implement reforms that ensure the system is fair, transparent, and focused on safety rather than revenue generation.
“Road safety is a shared goal,” he wrote, “but it ought to be pursued in a manner that is fair, just, and respectful of the rights and safety of Ugandans.”
The Ministry of Works and Transport has yet to issue a response to the petition.
