KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Ministry of Works and Transport and the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System Uganda (ITMS) have issued updated directives on speed limits and penalties as the Electronic Penalty System (EPS) is fully implemented nationwide. The initiative aims to reduce road fatalities, with speeding cited as a major contributing factor in Uganda’s high crash rates.
The rollout of the EPS, which utilizes Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, is a direct response to alarming road safety statistics. The 2024 Uganda Police Annual Crime Report attributed 44.5% of road crashes to speeding. Last year alone, Uganda recorded 25,107 road crashes, resulting in 5,144 fatalities.
Winston Katushabe, Commissioner of Transport Regulation and Safety at the Ministry of Works and Transport, clarified the varying speed limits:
- 30 kph (18 mph): Enforced in residential areas, near schools, hospitals and busy markets with high pedestrian traffic.
- 50 kph (31 mph): Applies to urban centers and most highways within towns.
- 80 kph (50 mph): Designated for expressways where traffic is faster but regulated.
- 100 kph (62 mph): The maximum limit, set for designated expressways designed to support higher speeds.
Katushabe emphasized that the 30 kph limit is not universal, but specifically targets areas with high human traffic to protect vulnerable road users, particularly children and pedestrians.
Under the new system, violations are detected in real-time, leading to automated fines. Exceeding the speed limit by 1 to 30 kph incurs a fine of UGX 200,000. For violations of 31 kph or more over the limit, the fine increases to UGX 600,000. These penalties are automatically generated upon detection by the system near speed-regulated zones or road signage.
ITMS officials stated via social media that the EPS-Auto system is now active across major roads and intersections, with cameras programmed to interpret road signage accurately.
“Drivers must be alert and aware of road signage at all times,” an ITMS statement read. “The cameras are smart — if you’re over the limit near a hospital, school, or residential area, the system will catch it.”
The Ministry of Works and Transport is urging motorists to comply with posted speed limits and traffic signals. A public advisory from the ministry highlighted that “speeding is among the five major risk factors contributing to road crashes. Respect the rules of the road. Avoid penalties. Save lives.” The fully operational EPS system signifies that compliance is now actively monitored and enforced across the country.
