Motorists who breach traffic rules could face a revised penalty regime after the Ministry of Works and Transport and key stakeholders endorsed reforms to the Electronic Penalty System.
The proposed changes seek to improve road safety, reduce crashes and address concerns raised by drivers over the current penalty framework.
The reforms still require Cabinet and parliamentary approval before they can become law.
Among the key proposals is an extension of the payment period for Express Penalty Scheme tickets from 72 hours to 28 days.
Stakeholders also agreed that enforcement of the 30km/h speed limit should be restricted to designated special zones.
These include hospitals, markets, community access roads and other high-risk areas with vulnerable road users.
Speeding Fine Proposed at Shs160,000
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of Works and Transport said stakeholders agreed to harmonise speeding penalties.
The proposal would replace the current fines of Shs200,000 and Shs600,000 for speeding and over-speeding with a uniform fine of Shs160,000.
“The stakeholders also agreed to harmonise speeding fines from Shs200,000 and Shs600,000 for speeding and overspeeding, to a uniform fee of Shs160,000 penalty,” the ministry said.
The ministry said the proposals followed nationwide consultations held in cities and districts across Uganda.
The consultations brought together government agencies, road safety organisations, driver advocacy groups, boda boda associations and law enforcement authorities.
Cabinet and Parliament to Consider Reforms
Mr Winston Katushabe, the Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety at the Ministry of Works and Transport, said the proposals will now be submitted to Cabinet.
If Cabinet approves them, they will be forwarded to Parliament for consideration.
“If Parliament approves the reforms into law in the form of a Bill, it will be sent to the President for assent,” Mr Katushabe said.
The ministry said the process is intended to create a fairer and more effective traffic enforcement system.
Authorities also say the reforms should improve compliance while responding to public concerns raised during implementation of the automated penalty system.
Road Safety Measures Proposed
Stakeholders also recommended stronger protection for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
The proposals include raised pedestrian crossings, clearer road markings and enhanced safety measures in special zones.
Participants further called for improved road signage.
They recommended better placement of signs, use of reflective materials and clearer markings to improve visibility for motorists.
The ministry also committed to nationwide public sensitisation campaigns.
These campaigns will run through radio, television, print and digital platforms to help road users understand the proposed changes.
Roadside Markets Targeted
The consultations also addressed roadside and weekly markets operating along highways.
Stakeholders agreed that such markets should be regulated to reduce accidents linked to congestion and pedestrian movement.
Local governments have been encouraged to establish designated market spaces away from major road corridors.
The ministry says this would help reduce risk to traders, buyers, pedestrians and motorists.
EPS Collections and Unpaid Tickets
The proposed reforms come amid growing concern over Uganda’s road safety record and the high number of crashes linked to reckless driving and speeding.
Government records show that police issued EPS fines worth Shs41.4b in 2024.
Of that amount, Shs40b was paid.
However, the Auditor General’s 2022 report found that more than 528,000 EPS tickets worth over Shs100b remained unpaid over three financial years.
Authorities say the revised system should improve accountability and make it easier for motorists to comply with traffic penalties.
Other Proposed EPS Reforms
Stakeholders also backed a 50km/h speed limit for urban roads and built-up areas.
They recommended the creation of a clear appeals mechanism for motorists who contest fines.
The reforms also call for a review of surcharge provisions on unpaid penalties.
Another proposal seeks to reform the fines issuance system so that penalties are issued to the actual offender.
The ministry said it will prepare a Cabinet paper for government consideration of the validated reforms.
If approved, the changes could reshape how traffic penalties are issued, paid and contested across Uganda.