How to check and pay for a Traffic Ticket in Uganda

The Ugandan police recently introduced the Express Penalty System (EPS). With this system, offenders are issued instant tickets linked to their vehicle’s number plate. If you drive your own car, you probably already know if you have a police ticket. But if you share a car, you might not know if your partner or family member was issued one. Here’s how to check.

How to Check for Traffic Tickets

Method 1: Using SMS Shortcode

The easiest way to check if your car has an outstanding EPS ticket is via SMS. Send a message in the format: EPS [space] YOURNUMBERPLATE (e.g., EPS UBA123A) to the shortcode 8888. This message costs UGX 220.

You should receive an SMS reply detailing any outstanding tickets and the corresponding Payment Registration Number (PRN). If you don’t receive a reply shortly, it likely indicates no outstanding ticket, although receiving a specific confirmation message stating ‘No tickets found’ would be ideal. If you have issues, you may need to try the app method below.

Method 2: Using the UPF Mobi App

Another way is through the UPF Mobi App, developed by the Uganda Police Force. You can download this app from the Google Play Store for Android devices. (Availability on the Apple App Store for iOS should be verified, as it wasn’t confirmed at the time of writing).

After downloading, create an account using your full name, phone number, and email. Once logged in, navigate to the EPS Tickets section (usually on the home screen). Enter your car’s number plate in the search box and tap the search button.

The app should display any outstanding tickets linked to that number plate, along with the crucial PRN needed for payment.

Method 3: Checking Online (If Available)

While not detailed here, it’s worth checking the official Uganda Police Force or Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) websites for any online portals that might allow you to check for EPS tickets using your number plate or National ID Number (NIN). Official portals, if they exist, can be a reliable alternative.

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How to Pay for the Traffic Ticket

Once you have confirmed you have a ticket and obtained the Payment Registration Number (PRN) via SMS or the app, you can use one of the following methods to pay. The PRN is essential for all payment channels as these payments are typically processed as URA taxes.

Remember, a surcharge (reportedly 50%) may apply if the ticket isn’t paid within 28 days from the date of issue. Paying promptly avoids extra costs and the risk of your vehicle being impounded.

Payment Method 1: Mobile Money

You can use MTN Mobile Money or Airtel Money:

Using MTN Mobile Money:

• Select 4) Payments

• Select 5) Fees and Taxes (or similar option)

• Select 1) URA

• Select 1) With PRN Payments

• Enter the Payment Registration Number (PRN)

• Enter the Amount

• Confirm details and enter your Mobile Money PIN

Using Airtel Money:

• Dial *185#
• Select 4) Pay Bill

• Select 7) URA (or similar option)

• Select 1) Pay Registered (or With PRN)

• Enter the Payment Registration Number (PRN)

• Enter the Amount

• Confirm details and enter your Airtel Money PIN

Payment Method 2: Bank Channels

You can also pay through bank channels:

Over the Counter: Visit a designated bank branch (e.g. DTB Bank).  Check with URA or the Police for a current list of authorized banks) and provide the PRN to make the payment.

• Mobile Banking App / Internet Banking: Many major banks in Uganda integrate with URA for tax payments. Check your bank’s mobile app or online banking portal for a ‘Pay URA’, ‘Tax Payment’, or similar option. You will typically need to enter the PRN and the amount. (For example, Stanbic Bank‘s app is known to have this feature).

Payment Method 3: Other Options

Check the official URA website or inquire with them about other potential payment methods like PayWay or authorised agents, providing your PRN.

Conclusion

Checking for and paying Uganda Police traffic tickets under the EPS system is straightforward using SMS, the UPF Mobi App, and various digital payment channels. Always ensure you have the correct PRN and pay promptly within the 28-day window to avoid the 50% surcharge and keep your vehicle on the road without issues.