Calls grow for return of EPS after pedestrian killed on Kampala-Entebbe Expressway

What the report says

Calls are increasing for Uganda’s Express Penalty System (EPS) to be restored after a pedestrian was killed on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, reviving debate over speed control and access to the controlled-access road. According to the expressway operator, the crash happened on Sunday at KM 3 on the Kajjansi-Busega section, near a sharp bend. Authorities had not immediately identified the pedestrian or given a full account of how the collision unfolded.

The incident prompted concern from motorists and nearby residents, who said camera-based enforcement could help discourage speeding and improve compliance with road rules. The public article said supporters of EPS believe automated monitoring would make drivers more cautious and could also help identify people who enter the highway unlawfully. Some residents argued that lower speeds would give motorists more time to react to unexpected hazards.

Images from the scene showed a badly damaged black minivan against a concrete median barrier, with debris on the road as traffic police and expressway staff inspected the wreckage. The expressway operator said it was saddened by the death and repeated warnings against crossing the highway, cutting safety fencing, or using unauthorised entry points. It also said it had recently carried out sensitisation campaigns for communities living near the road.

EPS, a camera-backed system used to detect traffic offences and issue penalties, was introduced to improve road safety but was later suspended for Cabinet review. In general, the debate reflects a broader tension between enforcement, public awareness, and pedestrian behaviour on high-speed highways.