By Aggrey Baba
President Yoweri Museveni has defended the Ministry of Works and transport’s rollout of digital number plates and the Electronic Penalty System (EPSAuto), saying the main goal is to improve national security and ensure discipline on the roads, not to collect money from motorists as some people have claimed.
Speaking during a public event at Kololo on Thursday, Museveni said Uganda could no longer afford to continue using old systems that make it hard to track down criminals and reckless drivers.
He noted that just as security cameras helped reduce crime in Kampala and other towns, digital number plates will now fill another critical gap, of vehicle traceability.
Before the installation of cameras in 2018, he said, security agencies were struggling to investigate crimes because they relied mostly on eye witnesses, which delayed justice and gave criminals room to escape.
The president pointed out that while the cameras helped, criminals were now taking advantage of non-traceable vehicles, often switching number plates or moving without being tracked.
He explained that the new digital number plates are designed to solve that problem by linking every vehicle or motorcycle to a central security system. These number plates are monitored in real-time, and once tampered with, can alert the command center.
Museveni clarified that although many people have focused on the penalties issued through EPSAuto, the core purpose of the number plate system is national safety, saying the digital plates were introduced to strengthen security operations by making it easier to know which vehicle was in which area at what time.
He also explained the confusion surrounding the private company behind the project, saying since the government lacked enough funds to pay for the project upfront, they agreed that the company would recover its costs partly from fines collected through the automated enforcement system. However, he stressed that this financial arrangement should not overshadow the main purpose of the program.
Currently, EPSAuto has been suspended for a month, since June 12, 2025, by the MoWT to allow for a thorough review of its operations. This came after complaints from the public about heavy fines, limited sensitization, and technical challenges during the rollout.
The review is expected to consider whether the penalties are fair and if the implementation methods need adjustments.
According to officials from the ITMS, which oversees the project, EPSAuto uses road-mounted cameras and digital tools to detect offences such as speeding, jumping traffic lights, and reckless driving. Once a violation is recorded, a fine is automatically generated and sent to the registered vehicle owner via SMS or email.
Authorities argue that once fully operational, the system will reduce road crashes and bring order to Uganda’s often chaotic roadways.
ITMS officials say compliance with traffic rules is the surest way for road users to avoid penalties and help make roads safer for everyone.
Some members of the public, especially boda boda riders and taxi drivers, have expressed concern over the fines and what they see as a rushed implementation. However, others say the system is necessary, provided it is fair and transparent.
Government is now expected to complete its review by mid-July, after consulting with stakeholders including drivers’ unions, legal experts, and security agencies. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
