After Kapchorwa: How Many More Deaths Before Uganda Switches On Smart Enforcement?

What the report says

Nile Post reports that the deaths of 20 pupils and one adult in a school bus crash in Kapchorwa have renewed pressure on Uganda’s government to accelerate automated traffic enforcement. The crash involved an Isuzu bus from King David Junior School in Ndejje, which was returning from an educational trip to Sipi Falls when it reportedly lost control, struck a roadside boulder and overturned. Dozens were injured. The article says the incident was followed hours later by another school bus crash on the Jinja–Kamuli highway involving Nalango Secondary School students and a sugarcane truck.

The debate centres on the Express Penalty System, a planned enforcement programme using roadside cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition to identify offences such as speeding without requiring police stops. Drivers quoted by Nile Post, including Timothy Agaba, Peter Chekwech and Deus Okello, said automated detection could discourage reckless driving, improve discipline and help identify repeat offenders before serious crashes occur.

Nile Post also cites the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, which recorded 26,044 road crashes, up 3.7 percent from the previous year, with fatal crashes reaching 4,602. The report says speeding and careless overtaking accounted for more than 40 percent of reported crashes. Road safety specialist Albinius Twesigomwe called for automated enforcement to be paired with stronger vehicle inspections, including 90-day roadworthiness checks for buses and taxis carrying many passengers.

The article adds that proposed traffic enforcement reforms, including a flat Shs160,000 speeding fine, a longer payment window and an appeals process, are awaiting Cabinet consideration. The Education ministry has suspended school trips while several ministries review school transport safety measures.