The Minister of Security, Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, has clarified that the suspension of the Express Penalty System (EPS) under the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) is aimed at enabling a smooth rollout of the system.
The suspension, which will last for a month, will allow the Ministry of Works and Transport to review the system and address concerns about the high penalties imposed on motorists.
According to Muhwezi, the ITMS is designed to enhance security, and the EPS is just one aspect of the system.
“This isn’t a security issue, it’s the ministry of transport that’s handling it,” he said.
“The law has set the penalties at 30 currency points, which translates to a high amount of money. The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Katumba Wamala, will review the penalties to reduce them.”
Muhwezi emphasized that the ITMS will help security agencies track the movement of vehicles, especially in cases of crime.
“The system will enable us to know which vehicles were in a particular area at a specific time,” he said.
President Yoweri Museveni has also weighed in on the issue, stating that the ITMS is meant to enhance the country’s security setup, not just issue fines.
“The issue is about the digitized number plates, every vehicle must have a digital number plate, traceable by the central command,” he said.
The suspension of the EPS has been welcomed by many, who had expressed concerns about the high penalties imposed on motorists. The review of the system is expected to address these concerns and ensure a smooth rollout of the ITMS.
