Kampala, Uganda | The Government of Uganda has announced the immediate suspension of the newly launched Automated Express Penalty System (EPS Auto) following widespread backlash from taxi drivers and private motorists, who accused the system of imposing unjust and excessive fines.
The system had been operational for less than 10 days before the decision was made to halt it temporarily.
The suspension was communicated on Wednesday evening via the government’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account, with authorities stating that the move was intended to allow for a thorough assessment of the system.
The statement noted that the implementation of the EPS Auto would be suspended effective today at midnight to facilitate a comprehensive review of its performance and operational procedures.
The announcement came shortly after a heated meeting between officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport and representatives of the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (FUTO).
The discussions ended in a walkout by the taxi operators, who accused the government of failing to address their concerns and vowed to begin a nationwide strike on Monday, 16 June, if the system was not suspended.
During the meeting, the Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety, Mr. Katushabe Winston reportedly told the operators that only the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala had the authority to suspend the system.
However, in a later press briefing, Mr. Katushabe acknowledged that the Ministry had received numerous complaints from the public, particularly from taxi drivers.
He explained that among the key concerns were excessive and disproportionate fines, technical glitches in the system, unclear road signage, and inadequate public sensitization about the system’s implementation.
He said the Ministry was in the process of compiling a report to present to the Minister, who would determine the next course of action.
Mr. Katushabe added that any policy or regulation was open to review and that the feedback received from both taxi drivers and the general public had been genuine and warranted careful consideration.
EPS Auto had been launched as part of a broader government initiative aimed at promoting road safety and reducing corruption in traffic enforcement.
However, it quickly faced criticism for issuing stiff penalties even for minor infractions—such as crossing stop lines or overspeeding—often in areas where road signage was missing or unclear.
In its official communication, the government confirmed that Minister Katumba Wamala would deliver a national address on Thursday to outline proposed reforms and the government’s long-term strategy for road safety and traffic enforcement.
According to the statement, the Minister would deliver a comprehensive update on the future of EPS Auto and the government’s vision for ensuring fairness, accountability, and safety on Ugandan roads.
In the meantime, all motorists were urged to continue observing traffic regulations and drive responsibly.
The announcement of the suspension has brought temporary relief to taxi operators who had vowed to paralyze public transport if the system remained.
The Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators had already begun mobilizing boda boda riders and private car owners to join what they called a united front of civil disobedience.
