The Ministry of Works and Transport has defended the steep penalties under the new Express Penalty System (EPS), describing the high fines as a deliberate and necessary measure to curb reckless driving and foster a culture of safety on Uganda's roads.
Responding to public outcry over the cost of traffic violations, Suzan Kataike, the Principal Communications Officer for the Ministry of Works, stated that the fines were intentionally set at a high level.
"The fines had to be exorbitant so that drivers avoid over speeding and causing accidents," Kataike explained. "Yes, the fines are exorbitant, but the reason behind it is to make drivers avoid paying them by following the rules and regulating the roads."
The ministry's core message is a call for behavioral change among motorists. "It is about developing a safety culture on the roads," Kataike urged. "Let us plan our journeys early enough and follow traffic guidelines."
The Express Penalty System, which applies universally to all motorists, including private vehicles and commercial motorcycle riders, commonly known as Boda bodas, has been rolled out and is now in a "live environment."
"The EPS cuts across. It is for both vehicles and Boda bodas. There is none that is spared," Kataike confirmed.
Acknowledging that the new system may have initial challenges, the ministry has assured the public that there is a process for redress.
"The EPS is new. It allows us to improve where there are flaws," she said. "If you receive a ticket that has been wrongly issued, kindly visit the police and it will be handled."
According to the ministry, the stringent measures are already yielding positive results and have been met with approval from some sections of the public.
"There are people who are happy with this system, the way it is, and say it is good," Kataike noted.
"Some have changed their behaviour on the road because of this new system."
The government's position remains firm: the financial sting of the new penalties is a tool designed not to punish, but to proactively prevent accidents and save lives by compelling compliance with traffic laws.