Taxi drivers and operators have declared a nationwide strike starting Monday, June 16, 2025, should the government refuse to suspend the recently rolled-out Auto Express Penalty System (EPS), which they say is causing financial hardship due to heavy and unclear traffic fines.
The declaration followed a tense meeting on Wednesday at the Ministry of Works and Transport headquarters in Kampala, where taxi leaders stormed out after officials led by Commissioner Winston Katushabe said only Works Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala holds the power to suspend the EPS.
The drivers’ main concerns include what they described as excessively harsh fines and flawed enforcement mechanisms using automated traffic cameras. Since its rollout on June 1st, motorists across Uganda have decried the Auto EPS fines for minor infractions, including over speeding, driving on stop lines, turning against road signs, and running red lights.
“We came here expecting immediate relief, but instead, we are being pushed back to someone we can’t reach,” Peter Kirabira, the vice chairperson of the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF), said briefly after the meeting fallout.
UTOD Vice Chairperson, Mr Peter Kirabira, addressing the media at the Ministry of Works and Transport on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, after a failed meeting with Gov’t officials. (Photo: Remmy/ DailyExpress)
Kirabira added that the legislation did not consider carrying out a consultative meeting with the motorists as industry stakeholders, which has resulted in the system backlash. He, therefore, mobilized fellow motorists, including private drivers, to join in what is shaping into a large-scale protest against the automated traffic fine system. The operators further argue that the latest vehicles manufactured are not made to run under 30km/h and urged the implementors to consider revising the harsh regulation to be applicable to the latest car technology