Uganda has flipped the switch on a new era of traffic enforcement, activating a nationwide network of digital eyes designed to catch — and fine — reckless drivers in real time.
The system, known as the Automated Electronic Penalty System (EPSAuto), uses smart cameras to monitor speeding and red-light violations across the country. On Friday night, the Ministry of Works and Transport confirmed that the system is now fully active and issuing citations to motorists.
“The automated Electronic Penalty System is now active,” the Ministry said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, at 8:20 p.m. on June 6. “The camera-enabled system is actively issuing tickets to motorists across the country in an effort to enforce speed limits and red light compliance.” They ended the post with a simple message: “Drive safe. Obey traffic rules.”
The rollout is part of a broader strategy by the Ugandan government to reduce deadly road crashes. Officials say technology is a critical part of that plan.
At the 4th Edition of the National Road Safety Marathon, Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala underlined the need to pair enforcement with public education.
“As the Ministry plans to tighten enforcement through the automated Fine Issuance System,” Wamala said, “it is important to continue raising awareness as well through a number of engagements, including this marathon for road users to appreciate the need for improved road safety.”
His message turned somber as he reflected on the human toll of road accidents.
“Each statistic represents a human story or a life cut short or forever changed by an incident that could have been prevented,” he added.
Organizers of the marathon echoed that sentiment, describing the event as a way to honor victims and spotlight the ripple effects of road crashes — from grief-stricken families to strained national health systems.
According to the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System Uganda (ITMSUg), the launch of EPSAuto marks a major step in Uganda’s shift toward digital traffic regulation. The agency posted its own warning on social media: “Stay compliant and avoid fines.” Cameras, it said, are now monitoring intersections and highways across the country.
Ministry officials say the goal isn’t punishment — it’s deterrence.
EPSAuto is meant “to instil discipline and protect lives,” the Ministry noted in its online messaging. The system includes updated speed limits, especially for high-density urban areas and zones with heavy pedestrian traffic.
Drivers now face automatic fines based on how far they exceed posted speed limits. Going up to 30 kilometers per hour over the limit will trigger a UGX 200,000 fine. Anything beyond that threshold — 31 kilometers per hour or more — will cost UGX 600,000. The fines are triggered and processed without human intervention, relying entirely on digital evidence.
The Ministry has stressed that adherence is critical.
“Slow down, stay alert, and drive responsibly,” the agency urged. “Avoid penalties and protect lives.”
Last month, Uganda’s Ministry of Health also backed the new enforcement measures, calling them a potential relief for hospitals and emergency responders.
“This will reduce the burden of health workers attending to accident victims,” said Emmanuel Ainebyoona, Senior Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Health.
He said the automatic penalties are a welcome shift that could drive a culture of responsibility.
“The penalty will also create discipline among drivers and riders,” Ainebyoona said, “thus reducing the number of deaths resulting from accidents.”
The system’s design includes digital license plate tracking and CCTV footage, allowing officials to pinpoint the actual driver — not just the vehicle owner — responsible for violations. It also keeps tabs on vehicles with unpaid fines.
Ainebyoona offered a final note of caution.
“Drivers and riders must abide by the traffic rules and guidelines,” he said, “to avoid being victims of the penalty.”
