The government has suspended the automatic implementation of the Express Penalty System (EPS) under the new Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) for one month following widespread public outcry over high fines and confusion around the program’s intent.Security Minister Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi announced the temporary suspension on Friday, stating that the Ministry of Works and Transport will review and possibly revise the penalty structure to facilitate a smoother rollout of ITMS across the country.“This isn’t a security issue, it’s a legal and transport matter. The law set the penalty at 30 currency points, which translates into a high monetary value. The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, is reviewing that to reduce it,” Minister Muhwezi said during a press briefing at the NRM Secretariat.He acknowledged that the rollout of the ITMS has been clouded by confusion, particularly concerning the integration of the EPS, which automatically issues hefty fines to traffic offenders. The minister emphasized that the system was primarily designed to bolster national security, not generate revenue through fines.“People are getting distracted by the penalties. These laws have always existed, but enforcement only became visible once the cameras were activated. Now, with fines being automatically applied, the issue of the high penalty values has come to the forefront,” Muhwezi said.The Minister confirmed that implementation of the EPS component has been suspended until July 15, giving the Ministry of Works time to address the concerns and harmonize the rollout with existing traffic laws.President Weighs InThe announcement came a day after President Yoweri Museveni addressed the issue during the reading of the national budget, stating that the main goal of the ITMS is to improve security not to penalize citizens financially.“I think the confusion about fines arose because we didn’t have money, and we told these people to do the number plates and recover the cost through those who make mistakes,” President Museveni explained. “But the real issue is about digital number plates that are traceable by a central command, not about collecting money.”The President emphasized the importance of traceability, saying digital plates would enable security agencies to know which vehicles or motorcycles were in a specific area at a specific time. “These removable number plates are useless. What we need are traceable, tamper-proof plates that enhance our ability to fight crime,” he said.Background on ITMSSpearheaded by the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) is a high-tech initiative designed to improve road safety, strengthen transport regulation, and enhance national security.A key feature of the system is the introduction of digital number plates equipped with trackers and Bluetooth beacons. The plates are tamper-proof that any attempt to remove or alter them triggers an alert to the central command center, preventing their misuse in criminal activities.The system has already registered notable successes, including the swift recovery of a stolen vehicle in Mukono. Authorities credited the ITMS tracking capabilities with enabling a quick and effective response. The system is also credited with contributing to a reduction in road accidents and improved coordination between law enforcement and traffic regulators.Moving ForwardMinister Muhwezi reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the ITMS rollout is both effective and publicly accepted. “We’ve listened to the people. The fines must be fair, and the purpose of the ITMS must be clearly communicated. It’s a tool for security, not punishment,” he said.As the Ministry of Works revisits the penalty framework, public awareness campaigns are expected to ramp up to clarify the objectives and benefits of the system. Stakeholders are hopeful that with adjustments, ITMS can achieve its intended goals of making Uganda’s roads safer and its communities more secure.The post EPS Auto to Be Reviewed as Government Halts Implementation for Smooth ITMS Rollout – Minister Muhwezi appeared first on The Insider.