news 25 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Government Eases Speed Limits and Traffic Fines in Response to Public Backlash
The Ministry of Works and Transport is proposing revised traffic regulations that raise speed limits on urban roads, reduce speeding fines, and extend payment deadlines from 72 hours back to 28 days. These changes address widespread complaints that led to the suspension of stricter laws last year. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-softens-on-speed-limit-and-traffic-fines-5403484
The Ugandan government is softening its stance on traffic enforcement following public outcry over suspended laws from 2025. The Ministry of Works and Transport has introduced amendments to raise speed limits and lower fines, aiming to balance road safety with public concerns.
Key proposals include limiting the 30km/h speed cap to access roads near schools, markets, and crowded areas, while restoring 50km/h on general urban roads. Speeding fines will be standardized at Shs200,000 regardless of excess speed, allowing a 10% tolerance above limits—such as 55km/h on a 50km/h zone—before penalties apply.
Payment terms under the Express Penalty Scheme revert to 28 days from the previous 72 hours, with appeals possible within seven days or up to 28 days. Late payments after 28 days incur a surcharge. Fines will target ‘registered keepers’ rather than just vehicle owners, addressing issues with hire-purchase and loan vehicles, though operators push for fining drivers directly.
Traffic Commissioner Winstone Katushabe emphasized that the laws prioritize saving lives over revenue, stating during Kampala consultations: “The law is about reducing speed and saving road users’ lives not about making money or punishing the individual motorists.”
The original regulations, including Statutory Instrument 56 of 2024 and speed limit rules, were enforced in May 2025 but suspended after President Museveni’s criticism and stakeholder feedback. The ministry acknowledged 90% of public concerns as valid and plans nationwide consultations before piloting changes in Greater Kampala.
Vehicle owners and taxi operators like Rashid Ssekindi of the Uganda Taxi Operators Federation argue fines should hit drivers, not owners, to enforce discipline effectively. Officials note CCTV limitations in identifying drivers but propose systems for owners to report the at-fault party.