The AutoEPS Uganda controversy has intensified just days after its pilot launch. Initially praised as a bold move to improve road discipline, the system has now drawn criticism from motorists and transport experts. The backlash stems from unrealistic speed limits, harsh fines, and a lack of transparency surrounding the project.
Authorities introduced AutoEPS—the Automated Express Penalty System—as a smart enforcement tool for traffic safety. While intelligent transport systems work in global cities, Kampala’s version faces steep challenges. The city’s poor planning, congested roads, and lack of public engagement have complicated the rollout. At the heart of the criticism lies the government’s decision to award the contract to M/s Joint Stock Company Global Security, a Russian firm with a controversial reputation.
Immediately after deployment, motorists raised concerns. Authorities lowered urban speed limits from 50km/h to 30km/h, yet provided inadequate signage to inform drivers. Enforcement began regardless, with many receiving fines they didn’t anticipate. Meanwhile, leaked reports revealed a revenue-sharing arrangement between the Russian firm and the government, raising doubts about the system’s real motivation.
Initially, officials presented ITMS—the broader system housing AutoEPS—as a security initiative. They described it as a strategy to track vehicles and reduce crime. However, public opinion shifted when enforcement appeared to focus more on fines than safety. Many now believe the government rushed AutoEPS to raise funds for the under-resourced ITMS project.
Observers also question the firm’s capabilities. The same brokers involved in Uganda’s refinery and fuel importation deals introduced Joint Stock Company Global Security. In 2021, government ministries signed a 10-year memorandum of understanding with the company. Four years later, the firm still struggles to deliver digital number plates, citing material shortages. Insiders, however, argue that the company lacks financial strength and the technical expertise required to run the program effectively.
Currently, the system operates in a fragmented state. AutoEPS still lacks full integration with Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) systems, which manage vehicle registrations. This gap forces traffic officers to issue many fines manually. Meanwhile, government and private vehicles fitted with sirens often avoid penalties, regardless of their behavior on the road.
Traffic inconsistencies make matters worse. When traffic lights fail—a frequent issue in Kampala—officers step in and override signals. However, CCTV systems continue to log violations, even when drivers follow police instructions. This creates legal conflicts and undermines public trust.
Officials from the Ministry of Works continue to defend AutoEPS by pointing to Uganda’s grim road safety statistics. Traffic deaths surged from 2,845 in 2014 to over 5,100 in 2024. In 2023 alone, road crashes killed more than 4,800 people. Police reports blame speeding and careless overtaking for most incidents. Motorcyclists and pedestrians make up the majority of fatalities.
Despite this, enforcement remains selective. The government has ignored calls to regulate boda bodas, even though they are responsible for many crashes. Some policymakers reportedly own large fleets of motorcycles, raising conflict-of-interest concerns.
Makerere University’s Urban Action Lab highlighted related issues in its February 2025 “Kampala City Report.” Researchers noted poor coordination between the Kampala Capital City Authority and central government, weak sanitation, failing infrastructure, and widespread mistrust. These problems limit the success of any high-tech transport solution.
Ultimately, the AutoEPS Uganda controversy exposes the system’s weak foundation. While Uganda needs smarter enforcement tools, the approach must balance safety with fairness. Any successful rollout requires transparency, proper planning, and citizen involvement. Until then, AutoEPS remains a divisive and incomplete solution to a very real problem.