Works and Transport Minister Edward Katumba Wamala has announced the toll fees for the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway.
Minister Katumba Wamala has also announced the commencement date of tolling operations on the expressway four years since the road was completed.
Constructed with a loan from the China Exim Bank, the expressway will have its tolling operations start on January 01, 2022.
In her remarks at the launch of engagements ahead of the commencement of tolling operations on Kampala-Entebbe Expressway on November 02, Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) Executive Director Allen Kagina explained that the enactment of the Roads Act had made the roadmap for tolling operations possible.
She explained the fees paid would contribute to maintenance costs, pay EGIS Road Operations SA, the operator, while part of the funds would go to loan repayment.
“Expressways like the Kampala Entebbe Expressway, are high class roads that cost billions of Uganda shillings to build and maintain. They are however key in enhancing Uganda’s competitiveness in the region as well as spurring economic growth. For this reason, UNRA has planned all expressways to be tolled to enable road users to contribute to the development and maintenance of these roads,” said Kagina.
“The funds from toll revenues to be collected on the Kampala-Entebbe expressway will be exclusively used to finance the operation and maintenance of the expressway. This will enable the expressway to be maintained to high class standard and not compete for the inadequate maintenance resources with the other non-tolled roads.”
Government expects EGIS to undertake toll collection and system installation; full length lighting of the Expressway, including payment of all electricity bills for the entire contract duration; route patrol and incident management; installation of new and improved road safety furniture such as road signage and guardrails; replacement of damaged fencing to ensure safety of the road and prevent intrusion of people and animals; transfer new skills and technology to locally owned companies and Ugandan locals and ensure the project is run 90 per cent by Ugandan locals; and to ensure timely and efficient operation and maintenance services.
Minister Katumba Wamala explained that “the toll fees shall be paid by use of either cash or electronic card as shall be communicated prior to commencement of tolling.”
There will four classes of vehicles allowed to use the expressway and these will pay different fees. Bodabodas will be barred from using the toll road.
Class 1 will have motorcycles >400cc which will pay Shs3000.
Class 2 will light vehicles which will pay Shs5,000
Class 3 will have medium goods vehicles (2-3 axles) which will pay Shs10,000
Class 4 will have Large goods vehicles and buses (4-5 axles) paying Shs15,000, and large goods vehicles (six or more axles) paying 18,000.
Emergency vehicles of the fire brigade, ambulances and the presidential convoy will not pay toll fees.
Minister Katumba Wamala explained that the announced fees will be valid for a period of one year from the commencement date for tolling, and Government through the Ministry of Works and Transport shall review and adjust the rates if necessary, based on the prevailing circumstances.
There will also be discounts such as for drivers who live in Entebbe and work in Kampala and motorists making frequent trips between the two destinations.
The Weekly Frequent User Discount will see a 50 per cent discount given for seven-day return trips purchased in advance.
A 70 per cent discount will be given to road users who buy 30-day return trips under the Monthly Frequent User Discount.
Drivers who use electronic cards will get a 10 per cent discount under the Electronic Card User Discount.
So, what will happen between now and January 01, 2022, when charging of toll fees will happen.
“Between now and the commencement date, UNRA and the Operator shall be testing the system and carrying out sensitization campaigns to enable the motorists obtain the electronic cards and familiarize themselves with the tolling system,” said Gen Katumba Wamala.
“UNRA together with EGIS will begin a stakeholder engagement campaign, which is being launched today, to provide information to the public on tolling and the operation of Kampala- Entebbe Expressway, and address any queries on the same. The expressway remains open to the public for free, until commencement of tolling operations.”
For these two months, the expressway will be free to use.
