Ministry of Works and Transport with ITMS Caution Western Uganda Ahead of Festive Season

The Ministry of Works and Transport in partnership with the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) hosted crucial road safety sensitization at Oxford Hotel Mbarara. The event aims to promote road safety in the western region focusing on reducing accidents during the festive season.

This initiative underscores the commitment of the ITMS in minimizing road accidents ensuring safe travels. Key highlights:

• distribution of reflector jackets to pedestrians and boda boda cyclists;
• painting of 6 zebra crossings in Mbarara City;
• Mandatory Vehicle Inspection awareness;
• sensitization on expecting EPS (Express Penalty System) revision.

Owen Muhumuza, external Training Manager at ITMS highlighted that the highest cause of accidents on Ugandan roads as over speeding and careless driving, the major reason why the government had introduced the smart enforcement.

The Ministry of Works and Transport Senior Safety Officer, Mr. James Katunguka appreciated the impact EPS had created during its implementation in June. He noted that the committee was created and it’s following up on the final review and approval by cabinet, and this will be soon announced by the MoWT Minister.

The following updates are expected for EPS:

• review all the speed limits to ensure that the objectives of the regulations are met.
• amend the Traffic and Road Safety Regulations 2024 to limit the application of 30kmph
• retain only one EPS fine of 10 currency points for speeding to avoid confusion
• request the line minister to amend the Traffic and Road Safety (Speed Limit) Regulations 2024 to review the grace period for paying EPS tickets from 72hrs to 28 days.

The Deputy city Mayor of Mbarara thanked Ministry of Works and Transport for inviting them and called upon all road users to be responsible on the road to save lives.