With evolution of technology and the need for convenience, Government of Uganda initiative of the Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) is aimed towards creating a safe road environment.
The system integrates advanced technologies in monitoring, video surveillance, data analytics, control systems and communications to ensure the safety of citizens and optimal management of the transport sector.
Over the last ten years, between 2014 and 2024, the number of fatalities on our roads grew by 80.8% from 2,845 in 2014 to 5,144. 60% of the fatalities in 2024 involved vulnerable road users who were not in control of the vehicle, including passengers (1,307), pedestrians (1,666), and cyclists (138). Motorcyclists contributed (1,720) 33% of the total fatalities in 2023. When you include the passengers on motorcycles (614), the percentage is 47%. 17,013 people seriously injured in road accidents during the year 2024.
According to the Police Annual Crime Report 2024, the main causes of road crashes were careless overtaking (5657) and speeding (5505), accounting for 44.5%, almost half of all crashes. Following too close (1753) which came in at number 4 also has an aspect of speeding.
Ministry of Works and Transport reviewed and updated the Traffic and Road Safety (Speed Limits) Regulations, 2004 to enable the operationalization of the act passed by parliament. This was aimed at improving driver behavior among road users and to develop a safety culture to protect the most vulnerable road users especially the pedestrians and passengers that do not control the vehicle.
In this regard, an Integrated Transport Management System was developed with objectives that include managing crime involving vehicles and motorbikes, improve traffic control, improving road safety and remove duplicate registrations. The integrated system hence then is composed of digital number plates (Automatic number plate recognition), CCTV cameras (Speed and Red-light Enforcement), command centers, and database integration.
The automated Express Penalty System (EPS) that has therefore been developed to operationalize the penalty scheme regulations and the regulations include; penalties for driving over the prescribed speed limits, offences related to registration plates in line with the ITMS, wearing and fastening of crash helmets, use of child restraints and children under 5 years to seat at the back and using appropriate child restraints plus use of cameras to issue EPS.
The EPSAuto will be able to detect violations like over-speeding and running the red-lights, capture and process the vehicle or motorbike registration number plate plus the location, time and avail photo or video, generate an E-fine which is logged into the ITMS database against the violating vehicle or motorbike and verified by an in-charge police officer. The registered vehicle owner is hence notified by sms or email the type of offence, date committed, amount of fine, deadline for payment and reference number with the payment channels.
Fines for the automated EPS will have the opportunity to be cleared via mobile money platforms (Airtel and MTN), Banks, and POS, Online portals linked to the Uganda Revenue Authority or Police systems.
Non-compliance will face risks including vehicle impounding, accumulated unpaid fines, and denial of registration services, including court summons. The automated Express penalty system is expected to kick start operations on 23rd April 2025.
The Ministry of Works and Transport kicked off more engagements with all its stakeholders in the transport sectors in different forms that include commercial motorbikes (boda-boda riders) truck drivers among others.