A growing wave of criticism has engulfed the Express Penalty System (EPS) as Ugandans express frustration over mounting traffic fines, with some individuals reportedly accruing millions of shillings in penalties within just 48 hours. Critics are demanding a comprehensive review of the system, citing infrastructural inadequacies and concerns over fairness.
Duncan Abigaba, who is leading an online campaign to boycott the EPS, has dismissed the system as unfit for Uganda’s current road conditions. “Uganda, Kampala is not ready for the EPS,” he said. “Our infrastructure is not there yet. You can’t compare it to other countries.”
Abigaba also questioned the integrity of the agreement between the Ugandan government and the Russian firm Joint Stock Company Global Security, the contractor behind EPS enforcement. “The negotiation for this EPS…was not done with honesty. I can say it was because of the local brokers. It’s them who benefitted,” he claimed.
Despite the backlash, Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda defended the system’s intent, noting it is a necessary measure to combat rampant traffic indiscipline. “I can’t be among those saying that the system is bad. There is a lot of reckless driving,” he stated. However, he joined calls for a review, particularly concerning the high penalty fees. “What I can call for is a revision at Parliament on the amount paid in penalties,” he added.
Both Abigaba and Ssemujju criticized the apparent selectivity in EPS enforcement, pointing out that certain individuals—including ministers, Resident District Commissioners, and army personnel—appear to evade penalties despite repeated offenses. “Penalties should not be selective. We have ministers, RDCs, army personnel who drive recklessly. So the penalty should be for everyone, not a few,” Ssemujju emphasized.
The EPS was rolled out as part of a controversial agreement with Joint Stock Company Global Security, which has faced scrutiny from lawmakers. A minority opposition report previously flagged discrepancies in the deal, and although some cabinet ministers opposed it, the government proceeded with implementation.
With public pressure intensifying and allegations of unfair enforcement mounting, calls for a legislative review of the EPS are gaining momentum as Ugandans demand transparency, equity, and accountability.
