By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Ugandan car dealers, under their umbrella body, the Association of Motor Dealers, have called on the government to suspend the newly enforced Express Penalty System (EPS), describing it as punitive, exploitative, and disruptive to business.
The EPS, which was rolled out on May 20 by the Ministry of Works and Transport in collaboration with the Uganda Police, is enforced using Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to detect traffic violations such as speeding and running traffic lights. Motorists are required to pay fines within 72 hours of being issued an EPS ticket, failure of which attracts a 50% surcharge.
However, car dealers argue that the system was rushed and is already causing significant financial strain, especially for dealerships that sell vehicles on loan or those not yet transferred into the buyers’ names.
Charles Kamunvi, the chairperson of the car dealers’ association, said the system unfairly penalizes car sellers when buyers delay vehicle transfers.
“When an EPS ticket is issued to a loaned motor vehicle, the fine is automatically charged to the selling company’s Tax Identification Number (TIN) because the vehicle is still registered in the company’s name,” Kamunvi explained. “This has resulted in sellers being held accountable for violations committed by clients.”
Isaac Barunda, the General Manager of Success Motors in Nakawa, revealed that their company had received over 378 EPS tickets in just five days, incurring fines totaling UGX 104 million. He said the penalties have led to the blocking of their TIN, crippling their ability to process transactions.
“The 50% surcharge applied after 72 hours is excessive and unfair,” Barunda said. “It is paralyzing our operations.”
The dealers are now demanding that the government halt the EPS implementation to allow for stakeholder consultations and a comprehensive review of the system.
“We are not against road safety, but the approach is flawed,” Kamunvi added. “Let government pause, review the system, and engage stakeholders to find a fair and workable solution.”
Shakeel Ahmed, CEO of Malena Motors, also criticized the speed limits used in the system, particularly the 30km/hr cap, calling for adjustments that reflect practical road conditions.
Additionally, car dealers expressed concern over the ongoing shortage of electronic digital number plates, saying the delays have severely crippled their business operations. They urged the government to revert to the old number plate system if the current supplier is unable to meet demand.
In response to the mounting concerns, the Ministry of Works and Transport on Wednesday evening announced a temporary suspension of the EPS.
“Effective midnight tonight, the implementation of the automated Express Penalty System (EPS Auto) will be temporarily suspended following a comprehensive review,” the ministry said in a statement.
The suspension offers a reprieve to car dealers and other affected motorists as the government reconsiders the system’s framework.
