By Our Reporter
Uganda is set to implement major changes to its traffic enforcement system starting May 15, 2025, in a bid to promote road safety and accountability among drivers.
Under the newly gazetted Traffic and Road Safety (Express Penalty Scheme for Road Offenders) Regulations, 2024, motorists who receive traffic fines will be required to settle them within 72 hours. Failure to do so will attract an additional 50% surcharge on top of the original penalty. This marks a significant shift from the previous system, which allowed a 28-day grace period for payment without additional charges.
The Ministry of Works and Transport, in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force, has launched a public awareness campaign to sensitize motorists about the upcoming changes. Authorities believe that by shortening the payment window, drivers will be more cautious on the road and more prompt in settling fines, ultimately contributing to safer driving habits and fewer accidents.
The Express Penalty Scheme (EPS) was first introduced in Uganda in 2002 to expedite the punishment of traffic offenders without the need for lengthy court proceedings. In 2024, police issued EPS tickets valued at over UGX 41 billion, with UGX 40 billion successfully collected. Despite this, a significant backlog remains. The Auditor General’s 2022 report revealed that over 528,000 EPS tickets, amounting to more than UGX 100 billion, remained unpaid over the past three years.
Government officials view the new 72-hour rule as a practical solution to address the growing volume of unpaid fines. By encouraging immediate compliance, they hope to instill greater responsibility among drivers and reduce the administrative burden of debt collection.
However, the new regulations have drawn mixed reactions from the public. While many welcome the move as a necessary step toward enhanced road discipline, some motorists argue that the shortened deadline is too harsh, particularly for those who may face financial difficulties in paying fines quickly. Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact of the surcharge on already struggling drivers.
Despite these reservations, the government remains optimistic that the changes will lead to tangible improvements in Uganda’s road safety record. Officials argue that firmer enforcement measures are critical in curbing reckless behavior on the roads and promoting a culture of compliance with traffic laws.
As the May 15 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the effectiveness of the new rules and whether they will indeed deliver the intended results — safer roads and more responsible driving across the country.
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