West Nile transporters back EPS reforms, push for lower fines

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Transport operators in the West Nile sub-region have backed government proposals on the Express Penalty System (EPS) and Fine Issuance System (FIS), with a number of suggested amendments.

This emerged during a validation workshop organised by the Ministry of Works and Transport with transport sector stakeholders, implementers and local governments in Arua, ahead of the planned re-launch of Uganda’s Express Penalty System (EPS) and the Fine Issuance System (FIS), following public concerns that led to the earlier suspension of the automated traffic enforcement programme.

Officials from the ministry said the consultations taking place countrywide are intended to address concerns raised by motorists, public transport operators and road users before the system is reinstated.

According to the ministry, the review identified several operational gaps that contributed to public dissatisfaction when the system was first implemented.

Among the issues raised by participants were insufficient road signage, limited public sensitisation before the rollout, and concerns about the 72-hour deadline for payment of fines and the 50 percent surcharge applied after that period.

Other concerns included calls for clarification on the 30 kilometres per hour speed limit in designated safety zones, inconsistencies between some speed camera readings and recommended road speed limits, and the issuance of multiple receipts during the early stages of the rollout.

Robert Kisakye, the senior licensing officer at the ministry, outlined some of the new proposals made by the government to be validated by stakeholders during the regional workshop, including single fines for speeding, limiting the 30km per hour speed to special zones, and increasing the payment period from three to 28 days, among others.

Kisakye said the inputs and suggestions from transporters and other stakeholders will be presented to the government before a final decision is made on the implementation of the EPS.

“The proposals brought by government include limiting 30km/h application to only the special zones such markets, schools, faith based institutions and urban centres, having single fine for speeding st 10 currently points unlike last time where another 30 currency points (sh600, 000) was introduced causing confusion, and we have noted all the inputs and we shall make a decision after traversing the whole country,” said Kisakye.

The transport industry, while acknowledging the importance of the engagements, appealed for a reduction in EPS fines from the current 10 currency points (sh200,000) to a maximum of five currency points (sh100,000).

Safi Alema Tiyo, an executive member of Norther Region Bodaboda Association. (Credit: Robert Adiga)

Safi Alema Tiyo, an executive member of the Northern Region Bodaboda Association, commended the ministry for the consultation and called for leniency on penalties, noting that many riders have not been adequately sensitised about EPS.

“The idea of EPS is okay, but we need more sensitisation for better implementation of the policy, but, the fine should be reduced from sh200,000, maybe to sh50,000 or sh100,000 because the bodabodas are mostly riding other people's motorcycles,” said Safi Alema.

Swadick Amaku, the chairperson of Arua City Bodaboda Association, also called for fair fines for offenders under the Express Penalty System.

“As a city chairperson, I 100 percent agree with the proposals because it will caution the riders not to overspeed, but my only request is that let it be fair in that the penalty should be reduced to sh100,000 and the period should be extended from 3 to 28 days to pay and let there be constant sensitisation of the bodabodas,” Amaku said.

Farouk Hassan, the chairperson of Arua City Taxi Operators, applauded the ministry for the initiative, noting that the region has experienced many accidents linked to reckless riding and driving, though he urged the government to reduce the fines to at least sh100,000.

“This is something that has been long overdue, and we thought they were going to increase it to sh600,000, but they have not, so my advice is that the penalty is okay to limit the accidents in the region, and all other suggestions are okay only if they could reduce may be to sh100,000,” Hassan appealed

Samuel Chekwel, the regional traffic officer for West Nile, said the Express Penalty System and Fine Issuance System are necessary due to indiscipline among motorists on the road.