Uganda, April 8 -- Drivers in Northern Uganda have asked the Ministry of Works and Transport to reduce proposed Express Penalty Scheme (EPS) fines by 50%, arguing that the charges are unaffordable for low-income earners.

The appeal comes as ministry officials conduct nationwide consultations on the proposed penalties before submitting them to Cabinet and later Parliament for possible amendments.

Under the suspended EPS, motorists who run red lights or exceed speed limits face a fine of 10 currency points, equivalent to Shs200,000. The scheme was halted following public outcry.

Drivers say the penalties are too steep given their earnings and financial responsibilities.

"Sometimes we go faster because we do not want to lose our jobs. If...