Calls Grow for EPS Return After Pedestrian Killed
Kampala, Uganda | NEWS CORRESPONDENT | Calls for the return of Uganda’s Express Penalty System (EPS) are growing after a pedestrian was killed on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway at the weekend, with residents and motorists saying camera-backed enforcement could help curb speeding and improve safety.
The expressway operator, Kampala Entebbe Expressway (KEE) said the fatal incident occurred on Sunday at KM 3 on the Kajjansi-Busega section, near a sharp bend.
Images from the scene showed a badly damaged black minivan pressed against the concrete median barrier, with debris scattered across the carriageway as Traffic Police and expressway personnel inspected the wreckage.
Authorities had not immediately identified the pedestrian or given a detailed account of how the crash occurred.
“We are deeply saddened by today’s fatal incident involving a pedestrian on the Expressway,” the operator said, warning residents against crossing the highway, cutting safety fencing or entering through unauthorised points.
The crash has renewed debate over EPS, which used cameras and other technology to detect traffic offences and issue penalties before its implementation was shelved for review by Cabinet.
Kenneth Otim, a resident of Kajjansi, said cameras could also help identify pedestrians who enter the restricted highway.
“Cameras would have identified the pedestrian,” Otim said.
Susan Okurut, a regular user of the route, said camera enforcement made motorists more cautious because they feared penalties for speeding and other offences.
“When drivers know cameras are working, they fear the penalties and control their speed,” Okurut said.
She said lower speeds would also give motorists more time to react when pedestrians illegally enter the highway.
“With manageable speeds, the driver would have easily spotted the pedestrian who illegally crossed onto the highway if he were not over-speeding,” she said.
Cyrus Muhirwa, an eyewitness, said the absence of effective speed enforcement risked worsening fatalities on the expressway.
“As long as speeds on the expressway are not regulated as it was with EPS before the project was shelved by Cabinet, the deaths on this expressway will never stop but get worse,” Muhirwa said.
The expressway operator said it had recently sensitised neighbouring communities against crossing the road or tampering with safety fencing.
“We once again urge everyone, especially communities living near the Expressway, to keep pedestrians off the Expressway and use designated crossing points,” it said.
It also urged motorists to observe speed limits and exercise extra caution around bends and exit points.
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