Motorists who violate traffic regulations could soon face a revised penalty regime after the Ministry of Works and Transport and key stakeholders endorsed a series of reforms to the Electronic Penalty System (EPS) aimed at improving road safety and reducing accidents.
The proposed changes, which still require Cabinet and parliamentary approval, include extending the period within which motorists can pay Express Penalty Scheme tickets from the current 72 hours to 28 days.
Stakeholders also endorsed a proposal to limit enforcement of the 30km/h speed limit to designated special zones such as hospitals, markets and community access roads.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry said participants agreed to harmonise speeding penalties, replacing 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 reforms follow a series of nationwide consultations conducted by the ministry in cities and districts across the country. Participants included government agencies, road safety organisations, driver advocacy groups, boda boda associations and law enforcement authorities.
Speaking to Daily Monitor, Mr Winston Katushabe, the Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety at the Ministry of Works and Transport, said the proposals would now be submitted to Cabinet before being 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.
As part of the reforms, stakeholders also recommended the installation of raised pedestrian crossings, clearer road markings and enhanced protective measures in special zones to safeguard vulnerable road users.
The consultations further agreed that roadside and weekly markets operating along highways should be regulated, with local governments encouraged to establish designated market spaces away from major road corridors to reduce accidents linked to congestion and pedestrian activity.
The ministry also committed to undertaking nationwide public sensitisation campaigns through radio, television, print and digital platforms to improve public understanding of the proposed changes.
Participants additionally called for improved road signage through better placement, reflective materials and clearer markings to enhance visibility for motorists.
The proposed reforms come amid growing concern over road safety and a rising toll of crashes linked to reckless driving and speeding.
According to government records, police issued EPS fines worth Shs41.4 billion in 2024, of which Shs40 billion was paid. However, the Auditor General’s 2022 report revealed that more than 528,000 EPS tickets worth over Shs100 billion remained unpaid over three financial years.
Authorities say the reforms are intended to strengthen compliance with traffic regulations while addressing concerns raised by motorists during the implementation of the automated penalty system.
Other reforms
Adopt a 50 km/h speed limit for urban roads and built-up areas.
Extend the payment period for EPS fines from 72 hours to 28 days.
Establish a clear appeals mechanism for motorists.
Review surcharge provisions for unpaid fines.
Reform the fines issuance system to enhance accountability by ensuring penalties are issued to the actual offender.
Strengthen road signage and public sensitisation campaigns.
Enhance protection for vulnerable road users.
Prepare a Cabinet paper for Government consideration of the validated reforms.