Road safety in Uganda has become a serious concern over the past ten years. The number of people dying in road accidents has increased sharply. In 2014, about 2,845 people lost their lives in road crashes, but by 2024, this number had risen to 5,144. This shows an increase of over 80%.
Many of the people who die in these accidents are not drivers. About 60% are passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The main causes of accidents are speeding and careless overtaking, which together contribute to nearly half of all crashes.
These accidents are also very costly to the country. It is estimated that Uganda loses about UGX 4.5 trillion every year due to road crashes. Because of this, the Government has taken steps to improve road safety and reduce accidents.
Purpose of the Review
The Government introduced a system called the Fines Issuance System (FIS), which uses cameras to detect traffic offences like speeding and jumping red lights. This system was launched in June 2025.
However, after its introduction, many people complained about how it was working. Because of these concerns, the Government decided to pause the system and review it.
A special committee was formed, bringing together experts from different institutions such as the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda Police, Kampala Capital City Authority, and others.
The purpose of the review is to:
Understand the problems in the system
Listen to the public
Suggest improvements
Prepare for a better restart of the system
Concerns and Gaps in the System
During the review, many problems were identified. These problems were grouped into legal, system, and technical issues.
One major concern was that the system sometimes issued multiple fines for the same offence. This happened because it was not properly connected to the existing police penalty system.
Another problem was that the public was not properly informed about how the system works. Many road users did not understand the rules or how fines were calculated.
People also complained that the fines were too high and confusing. Different penalties for speeding made it difficult for drivers to know what to expect.
The speed limit of 30 km/h was also criticized. Many people felt it was too low for some roads and would increase transport costs.
In addition, Drivers were given only 72 hours to pay fines, which many said was too short
Some roads did not have proper signs showing speed limits
The system did not consider situations where traffic police control vehicles instead of traffic lights
There was no clear way for people to appeal against fines
Key Findings from the Review.
The committee made several important findings after studying the system.
Legal Issues
It was found that the 30 km/h speed limit had been wrongly applied to many roads instead of only special areas like schools, hospitals, and markets.
The committee also noted that having different types of fines for speeding was confusing to road users.
Another issue was the short payment period of 72 hours, which had been set by law. The committee suggested that this needed to be reconsidered.
There was also a need to clearly define traffic offences like jumping red lights to improve enforcement.
System Issues
The system itself needed improvements. It required better automation to reduce errors and ensure accurate identification of vehicles.
Although some system errors had already been fixed, more work was needed to make it reliable.
The committee also emphasized the importance of creating an appeals system so that people can challenge fines when necessary.
Technical Issues
The placement of traffic cameras was another concern. Some cameras were installed for security reasons rather than road safety.
Many roads lacked proper signage, making it hard for drivers to follow rules. In some cases, signs had been vandalized.
The committee also visited the Kampala Traffic Control Centre, which is expected to improve traffic light management in the city.
Recommendations for Improvement
The committee suggested several changes to improve the system before it is reintroduced.
Changes to Laws and Regulations
Increase the time to pay fines from 72 hours to 28 days
Apply a 50% surcharge only after 28 days
Clearly define traffic offences like red light violations
Extend the time for transferring vehicle ownership from 14 to 30 days
Changes to Speed Limits
Limit 30 km/h to special zones like schools and markets
Set 50 km/h for urban roads
Introduce one clear fine for speeding instead of multiple penalties
System Improvements
Improve automation to reduce human errors
Introduce a proper appeals process
Test the system using government vehicles before public rollout
Road and Safety Improvements
Install clear road signs on major roads
Use a fair threshold for speeding fines (10% + 2 km/h)
Adjust traffic lights at night to improve safety
Conduct public awareness campaigns through media and workshops
Pending Actions Before Reintroduction
Before the system is brought back, several steps must be completed.
The Government plans to:
Install road signs and markings, especially in Greater Kampala
Clean up and update vehicle registration records
Continue educating the public about the system
Hold meetings with transport operators like taxi and bus drivers
Carry out pilot testing of the system
The rollout will start in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area and later expand to the rest of the country.
Conclusion
The Government has listened to the concerns raised by the public and is working to improve the Fines Issuance System. The goal is to create a system that is fair, clear, and effective in reducing road accidents.
Once all the necessary changes are made, the system will be reintroduced in phases. The Government has promised to keep the public informed and to include their views in the final decisions.
Improving road safety is important for saving lives and reducing economic losses. With these changes, Uganda hopes to create safer roads for everyone.
Peace akol
Communicator, Government citizen interaction centre
