By Kabuye Ronald
The Government of Uganda has temporarily suspended the recently launched automated Express Penalty System (EPS Auto) after facing intense backlash from taxi drivers and private motorists across the country. The system, which was intended to streamline traffic enforcement through automatic issuance of penalties, had only been operational for less than 10 days.
A statement released Wednesday evening via the official government X (formerly Twitter) account @GovUganda confirmed the decision:
“The implementation of the automated Express Penalty System (EPS Auto) will be temporarily suspended, effective midnight tonight, to facilitate a comprehensive review of its performance and operational procedures.”
The announcement came shortly after a high-stakes meeting between officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport and leaders of the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (FUTO) ended in a dramatic walkout. The drivers, angered by what they described as “harsh and unjust fines,” threatened a nationwide strike, adding further pressure on the government to reconsider its approach.
At the center of the standoff was Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety, Mr. Katushabe Winston, who told aggrieved drivers that only the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, held the authority to suspend the system. This stance only fueled tensions, prompting calls for immediate action.
In response, the government has confirmed that Gen. Katumba Wamala will deliver a national address on Thursday to outline planned reforms and clarify the government’s long-term strategy on traffic law enforcement and road safety.
“The Hon. Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, will deliver an official statement tomorrow detailing the way forward. We urge all motorists to continue driving responsibly and to strictly adhere to traffic regulations during this period,” the statement concluded.
EPS Auto, hailed by technocrats as a modernization tool to combat traffic violations, quickly became controversial. Drivers reported fines being issued erroneously, disproportionately affecting low-income earners, especially in the taxi sector. Advocacy groups had begun organizing petitions and protests, claiming the system lacked transparency and offered no fair mechanism for appeal.
With the suspension now in effect, the spotlight turns to Gen. Katumba Wamala’s Thursday address, which is expected to outline a potential overhaul of EPS Auto and re-engagement with stakeholders to ensure a fairer system. For now, Ugandans await clarity on how road safety and enforcement will proceed in the absence of the automated system.
