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Uganda's newly launched Automated Electronic Penalty System (EPS) has ignited a wave of anger and frustration among motorists.
Since going live, the system has been issuing traffic fines for speeding, red-light violations, and other infractions detected through automated number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.
Many drivers are decrying the system as punitive, with excessive, unexplained ticketing that feels more exploitative than protective.
Motorists have reported multiple fines in a single day. A one Nasasira who was issued three fines in one day amounting to Shs1.4 million, shared his distress on social media, noting that the total climbed to Shs2.1 million after just three days of non-payment.
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"First I needed to fuel up at Shell Express and I passed Abayita—Ticket One; via the Northern Bypass—Ticket Two; back to Entebbe via Abayita again—Ticket Three," he posted.
Many other drivers have cited similar frustrations, particularly over unrealistic speed limits and confusing penalties.
Critics also argue that the system is not only financially burdensome but unsafe.
Some roads, like the Northern Bypass, have seen speed limits reduced to as low as 30 km/h, causing drivers to slow down to avoid fines while increasing the risk of accidents, especially at night.
Government’s Agreement with Russian Firm
The public outrage surrounding the new system has been further exacerbated by revelations from a recent Parliamentary, Works and Transport Committee report.
The report sheds light on the financial aspects of the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), under which the EPS operates.
According to the Committee, the agreement between the Government of Uganda (GoU) and the Russian firm Joint Stock Company Global Security (GS) outlines a controversial revenue-sharing model.
The Committee raised concerns about the revenue distribution, revealing that 80% of the revenue generated from traffic fines will go to the Russian company.
This means that from the projected total fine revenue of USD 510 million over the next 10 years, GS is set to receive a staggering USD 408 million, while the Ugandan government will only take 15% (USD 76 million).
The National Economic Council (NEC) will receive a mere 5% (USD 25.5 million).
The Committee's report has sparked outrage, with MPs describing the revenue-sharing terms as “unreasonable.”
According to the Committee's observations, the private company stands to gain the largest share of the revenue despite facing minimal risk.
While the Russian company stands to benefit from guaranteed returns, the government, which bears the brunt of public anger and backlash, only receives a small fraction of the fines collected.
The financial model, which the Committee believes is flawed, fails to account for the risks borne by the government, such as the growing resentment among motorists.
As one MP put it, “The revenue-sharing arrangement does not consider the various risks the government faces, including hate and rage from the populace.”
The EPS system, part of the broader Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), aims to enhance road safety through AI, GPS tracking, and automated enforcement.
The system includes features such as digital number plates and an automated ticketing system designed to detect traffic violations and issue penalties swiftly.
While the system is intended to curb reckless driving and improve road safety, the public’s response has been overwhelmingly negative. Motorists are questioning the fairness of the system, as they are subjected to relentless fines without sufficient clarity on the speed limits or the reasons behind the penalties.