Boda Boda Riders Demand Reinstatement of Automated Traffic System Amidst Rising Crashes

Motorcycle taxi (boda boda) operators across Uganda are urgently calling for the government to reinstate the Express Penalty System (EPS). They argue that road discipline has severely declined, leading to a surge in traffic fatalities since the automated enforcement system was put on hold.

The EPS, which employs CCTV cameras and AI for automatic detection of violations like speeding and running red lights, was initially implemented to combat corruption and modernize traffic management. Its suspension has created a significant enforcement gap, which public transport providers believe is now costing lives.

This renewed push follows alarming statistics from the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report. The report indicates a 3.7 percent rise in road traffic crashes, totaling 26,044 incidents. Fatalities also saw an increase, climbing from 4,434 to 4,602, with serious crashes rising to 13,563. Motorcycles were involved in a substantial number of these accidents, contributing to 12,084 crashes, second only to motorcars.

Motorcyclists and their passengers represent a significant portion of road casualties, accounting for 55 percent of all serious injuries. The report also highlighted pedestrians as frequent victims, involved in 20 percent of all accidents, with careless overtaking and speeding identified as major contributing factors.

Mr. Asuman Ambrose Muhindo Kyibanzanga, General Secretary of the Kampala Boda Boda Association, expressed grave concern over the deteriorating road safety. He stressed that as commercial cyclists transport millions daily, they are disproportionately affected by lax enforcement.

“Since the EPS was suspended, road discipline has become weaker. Traffic violations, especially speeding, have increased,” Mr. Asuman stated. “Many riders feel that enforcement is not consistent, which puts everyone at risk. 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.”

Mr. Asuman clarified that the riders are not seeking to avoid accountability. Rather, they see automated policing as protection against arbitrary roadside demands. “We are not avoiding responsibility. We are asking for a system that helps us all be more responsible. We are ready to cooperate and follow the law,” he added.

While the Uganda Police Force is conducting grassroots safety campaigns, stakeholders agree that these alone are insufficient. The Ministry of Works and Transport, in collaboration with the police, is reviewing proposed reforms to the EPS, aiming for a more transparent and user-friendly system with adjusted fines and a longer payment period before its reintroduction.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/boda-boda-riders-lead-calls-to-reinstate-eps-as-road-crashes-surge-5464500