KAMPALA, Uganda— Uganda has implemented a digital system for issuing traffic fines, a move authorities say will enhance road safety and streamline traffic management.
The Express Penalty Scheme Automated (EPSAuto), operating under the government’s Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), was launched by the Uganda Police Force under the direction of the Ministry of Works and Transport. The project was contracted to Joint Stock Company Global Security Limited.
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EPSAuto aims to automate and digitize the issuance and management of traffic fines, enhance transparency, reduce manual processes, and introduce real-time surveillance, tracking, and payment of penalties.
The system functions by detecting violations, capturing and processing them, generating electronic fines, and notifying vehicle owners. Initially, EPSAuto will cover careless driving, speeding, and red light violations.
Fines can be paid through mobile money services (MTN, Airtel Money), participating banks, online payment platforms, or directly to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
Vehicle owners will receive fine notifications via email or SMS. They can also check their fine status through the Uganda Police Mobile App or by inquiring at major police stations.
Failure to pay EPSAuto fines may result in a 50% surcharge after 72 hours, vehicle immobilization or impounding, legal action, or denial of services such as driving permit or vehicle registration renewal.
Individuals wishing to dispute a fine can initiate the process by visiting the nearest traffic police station.
Authorities tout benefits of EPSAuto including reduced human error and corruption, enhanced accountability and transparency, real-time data on traffic offenses, and improved efficiency in traffic law enforcement.
In cases of a perceived wrong or duplicate fine, individuals are advised to immediately report the issue to the traffic police station or use official EPSAuto complaint channels, providing the ticket reference and vehicle details.
Authorities assure that personal information within EPSAuto is securely stored and used strictly for enforcement and administrative purposes. While digital tickets are standard, a printout can be requested at the time of issuance or downloaded from the Police Mobi App.
The rollout of EPSAuto will occur in phases, beginning with major towns and highways, followed by regional and rural deployments. Updates on the expansion will be provided through the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda Police social media, and ITMS channels.
EPSAuto is integrated with ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology, digital number plates, and traffic cameras, allowing for automated fine issuance based on camera-captured violations.
Foreign vehicles and drivers are subject to the same enforcement under EPSAuto. Fines can be paid using international cards or at designated service centers, and foreign vehicles will be permitted to exit Uganda before fine clearance.
Each traffic violation is treated independently, meaning multiple offenses can result in multiple fines in a single day.
Further information and updates can be obtained from the Uganda Police official website and social media, the Ministry of Works and Transport channels, the ITMS channels, and through the police call center and ITMS support lines at toll-free numbers 0800199099 or 0786237769.
