KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda has launched a new automated express traffic fine scheme, designed to instantly penalize motorists for common violations and enhance road safety. The Electronic Penalty System (EPSAuto) went live Friday, officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport confirmed.
The system utilizes cameras to capture vehicle number plates and automatically detect infractions such as speeding and running red lights. Once a violation is recorded, a fine is instantly sent to the driver’s registered phone number. Offenders are given a 72-hour window to pay the fine; failure to do so will result in the fine doubling.
How the EPSAuto System Works
When a vehicle commits a violation like running a red light or exceeding the speed limit, specialized cameras capture its license plate information. This data is then automatically processed by the EPSAuto system, which identifies the specific traffic offense. An alert is instantly triggered at a central control center, which is managed by the Uganda Police Force. The system then generates an electronic ticket, which is sent directly to the mobile phone number associated with the registered vehicle owner.
Initial Enforcement Focus
Allan Ssempebwa, Senior Communications Officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport, stated that initially, the EPSAuto system will primarily enforce red light violations at traffic junctions and speed limit infractions.
“Only these two violations. The rest shall still be enforceable as has been the case by traffic officers,” Ssempebwa said. “So if you break those two rules, the system will automatically trigger an alert at the control center managed by the Uganda Police Force, and it will generate a ticket on your mobile phone.”
Ssempebwa urged motorists to be vigilant, noting that the EPSAuto system applies fines to both vehicles with new digital plates and older license plates.
Promoting Road Safety
Officials emphasized that the system applies to all vehicles, with the exception of those on emergency duty. The initiative aims to promote responsible driving habits and ultimately save lives on Ugandan roads.
This development follows the government’s recent reduction of speed limits to 30 kilometers per hour in high-risk areas, including near schools and markets, signaling a broader push for stricter road safety enforcement across the country.
