Drivers Urge Government to Improve Roads Before Enforcing Traffic Fines

Drivers and motorists have called on government traffic enforcement teams to consider the condition of roads before imposing fines under the Express Penalty System (EPS). Speaking at a three-day consultative meeting in Jinja City, aimed at validating newly proposed EPS provisions, drivers argued that the focus should first be on rehabilitating national roads, where most accidents occur.

Epapharas Kibugudu, a taxi driver, said most of Uganda’s major highways are narrow, creating congestion and increasing the risk of accidents. “There are narrow junctions, which have become black spots for accidents, especially during rush hours, where cargo trucks, private vehicles, motorcycles, tricycles, and commuter vehicles compete for space,” he explained.

Kibugudu noted that such conditions can lead to accidents even if drivers obey traffic laws. Eria Musobya, chairperson of the Busoga Boda Boda Riders Union, added that riders are often forced off roads into drainage channels to avoid collisions during peak hours.

He cited the Jinja-Iganga-Busia highway, noting that pedestrian walkways—which have historically doubled as safe riding areas—have been washed away by rain due to poor drainage. This forces riders to share narrow roads with large vehicles, increasing accident risks.

Susan Mutebi, a private driver, said delays in clearing broken-down vehicles from highways worsen the problem. “Imagine driving at 80 km/h and suddenly bumping into a stationary vehicle with no prior warning—the outcome could be a serious accident,” Mutebi said.Khalid Muyingo, chairperson of the Busoga Taxi Operators and Drivers Association, emphasized that while some drivers are reckless, the government should routinely repair black spots and potholes, particularly on newly created city roads. 

He said, “Paying EPS fines will be much easier for offenders if there is recognizable road infrastructural development across the country.” In response, Robert Kisakye, Senior Licensing Officer at the Ministry of Works, said the government is undertaking a nationwide road network facelift, with significant progress in Kampala City.“The new roads are wider, fitted with islands and pedestrian walkways, making it easier for all road users to navigate safely,” Kisakye said. He added that EPS is not merely a revenue tool but a regulatory framework designed to enhance road safety.

Available data from the Ministry of Works and Transport shows that road deaths in Uganda increased by 80.8% over the past decade—from 2,845 in 2014 to 5,144 in 2024. Careless overtaking and over-speeding accounted for 44.5% of accidents last year. The World Health Organization estimates road crashes cost Uganda about UGX 4.5 trillion, equivalent to roughly 1.2% of the country’s GDP. Kisakye concluded that EPS remains a vital tool for promoting road safety as the government continues to improve road infrastructure nationwide.