Drivers cautioned as round-the-clock traffic surveillance begins

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With the Electronic Penalty System (EPS Auto) now conducting round-the-clock traffic surveillance, the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) has cautioned drivers to observe traffic laws or risk penalties.

Speaking to the media on June 7, 2025, Priscah Pearl Ayesiga, the public relations officer of the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), confirmed the system is fully operational and urged road users to comply with safety regulations.

“As part of ITMS, the EPS Auto is now operational. All road motorcyclists and car drivers should prioritise safety and compliance with traffic regulations. By doing so, penalties can be entirely avoided. Red light and speeding violations will be captured 24/7 with the help of ITMS,” Ayesiga said, adding that only emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire brigades and police cars will be exempted.

Ayesiga explained that penalties will be issued in line with the Traffic and Road Safety Act, through a camera-enabled system.

She clarified that the government has set a speed limit of 30km/h in high-risk areas such as schools and markets, not everywhere, as some people mistakenly believe, in order to protect vulnerable road users. “Compliance is not just a requirement, but a safeguard for all. By obeying traffic rules, we can avoid penalties and ensure a smooth, safe journey for everyone,” Ayesiga said.

Allan Ssempebwa, senior communications officer at MoWT, said: “For now, EPS Auto will be largely enforceable on motorists or riders who abuse the red light at traffic junctions and those violating speed limits. Only these two violations.”

“If you break those two rules, the system will automatically trigger an alert at the control centre managed by the Uganda Police Force, and it will generate a ticket on your mobile phone,” Ssempebwa added. He also clarified that EPS Auto will apply to all vehicles, including those with older number plates, not just digital ones.

Speeding remains one of the top five causes of road crashes and fatalities. In Uganda, 44.5% of all road crashes are attributed to speeding.

According to the 2024 Police Annual Crime Report, a total of 25,107 road crashes were recorded, resulting in 5,144 deaths.