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Boda boda riders across Uganda have appealed to the Uganda Traffic Police and government to reinstate the Express Penalty System (EPS), warning that road discipline has significantly deteriorated following the suspension of the automated traffic enforcement system.Speaking on behalf of riders in Kampala and other parts of the country, Asuman Kigongo said boda boda operators were increasingly concerned about rising road crashes, reckless driving, speeding and weak enforcement on Ugandan roads.“We kindly ask the Uganda Traffic Police and relevant authorities to restart it as soon as possible, as it is a modern system that promotes fairness, reduces human interference and helps save lives,” Kigongo said.The renewed calls come as new police statistics show that Uganda recorded 26,044 road crashes in 2025, up from 25,107 crashes in 2024, representing a 3.7 per cent increase.According to the Police Annual Crime Report 2025, fatal crashes increased from 4,434 in 2024 to 4,602 in 2025, while serious crashes rose from 13,134 to 13,563 over the same period.Police data further indicates that motorcycles accounted for one of the highest numbers of vehicles involved in road crashes, second only to motorcars. Motorcycles were involved in 12,084 crashes during 2025.The report also revealed that motorcyclists and their passengers accounted for 55 per cent of all seriously injured road users recorded during the year.Pedestrians remained the most affected victims in collision-related crashes, accounting for 20 per cent of all accidents, while speeding and reckless overtaking continued to rank among the leading causes of road crashes in the country.Police said careless overtaking and speeding together contributed to more than 40 per cent of all crashes recorded in 2025.In his statement, Asuman said boda boda riders transport workers, traders, students, patients and families on a daily basis, making them directly affected by road safety enforcement measures.“Since EPS was suspended, road discipline has become weaker. Traffic violations, especially speeding, have increased. Many riders feel that enforcement is not consistent, which puts everyone at risk,” he said.The Express Penalty System uses cameras and AI-powered number plate recognition technology to detect offences such as speeding and jumping red lights.The system was introduced last year as part of efforts to improve road safety and reduce human interference in traffic enforcement before it was later suspended amid public concerns and review of its implementation.Government is expected to reintroduce the system following ongoing reforms. The annual crime report further revealed that most crashes occurred on straight roads where speeding and risky overtaking are more common, strengthening calls for tougher enforcement mechanisms.Asuman insisted that boda boda riders support fair enforcement measures and are not opposed to accountability on the roads.“We are not avoiding responsibility. We are asking for a system that helps us all become more responsible. We are ready to cooperate and follow the law,” he said.In recent months, police have intensified road safety awareness campaigns through television talk shows, radio programmes and community engagements targeting riders, pedestrians, school children and other vulnerable road users.Debate over the return of EPS has intensified in recent weeks as government reviews proposed reforms, including reducing fine amounts, extending the payment period to 28 days and introducing measures aimed at making the system more transparent and acceptable to the public.
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, https://observer.ug/news/boda-riders-push-for-return-of-eps-amid-rising-road-crashes/
