Kampala, Uganda – The Kampala-Entebbe Expressway has marked a significant milestone as it celebrates three years of tolling and maintenance operations, with notable achievements in revenue collection, road safety, and customer service.
During a media briefing held on Tuesday, Eng. Stephen Kitonsa, the Acting Engineer in Chief of the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT), shared key accomplishments of the tolling system, which has proven instrumental in sustaining the expressway’s operations and contributing to Uganda’s infrastructure development.
Since its inception in 2022, the expressway has not only transformed travel between Kampala and Entebbe, but it has also become a crucial element in the country’s transportation network. The tolling system has generated an impressive UGX 119.8 billion over the past three years, funds that have been directed toward road maintenance, operations, and the development of sustainable infrastructure.
Eng. Kitonsa highlighted that the expressway now serves an average of 28,000 vehicles daily, providing smoother and faster journeys. He also noted that the adoption of the Upesi Card has been a game-changer, with 4,570 motorists using the smart card daily for quick and efficient toll payments. Over the three years, the road has recorded approximately 23.8 million passages.
“The Kampala-Entebbe Expressway has become the preferred route for many Ugandans, and it’s heartening to see how well it has worked for motorists. The tolling system, alongside our customer service initiatives, has helped ensure that the expressway remains a reliable and safe option for road users,” said Eng. Kitonsa.
In addition to the financial and operational successes, the expressway has made significant strides in improving road safety. Over the past three years, the number of road accidents on the expressway has dropped significantly, from an average of 21 incidents per month in the first year to just 9 monthly incidents today. This reduction can be attributed to public education campaigns, enhanced road safety signage, and active support from law enforcement agencies.
Eng. Kitonsa also emphasised the role of the toll-free emergency line, which has assisted over 120,000 motorists in need of support. The toll-free service has been vital in addressing breakdowns, accidents, and vehicle interruptions, with response teams typically intervening within 10 minutes of receiving reports.
“Our commitment to ensuring safety on the expressway remains strong,” Eng. Kitonsa said. “We continue to work with enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to prioritize road safety and reduce accidents, making the expressway a safer route for all.”
As the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway enters its fourth year of operation, Eng. Kitonsa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to further enhancing the road’s infrastructure and services to meet the growing needs of Uganda’s transportation sector.
Key Achievements
- UGX 119.8 billion collected over 3 years for maintenance and infrastructure development.
- Average daily traffic of 28,000 vehicles.
- 4,570 motorists benefit from the Upesi electronic smart card daily.
- Over 23.8 million passages recorded on the expressway in three years.
- 120,000 motorists supported through the Toll-Free emergency line.
- Notable reduction in road accidents, from 21 per month in the first year to 9 per month currently.
