The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has disclosed that toll collections on the Entebbe Expressway will continue for over 18 years until the government completes the repayment of the US$476 million (Shs1.853 trillion) loan acquired for the road’s construction.
This revelation came during a session before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), where UNRA officials addressed queries from the December 2023 Auditor General’s report. Isaac Wani, UNRA’s Director of Network Planning and Engineering, clarified that while the loan must be repaid within 13 years, the breakeven point, determined by the optimal usage, extends to 18 years. Following repayment, toll revenue will fund road maintenance activities.
Medard Lubega, Chairperson of COSASE, raised concerns about the toll levy’s calculation formula and questioned UNRA’s practice of closing the Entebbe Expressway for President Museveni’s motorcade. He emphasized the inconvenience caused to paying road users.
Charles Bakabulindi, Workers MP, also queried the toll levy formula and UNRA’s share of revenue. UNRA’s Executive Director, Allen Kagina, assured continued toll collection for revenue generation and pledged to minimize road closure duration.
Regarding the Masaka-Mutukula Road, Wani explained that although the African Development Bank initially intended to finance the project, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted negotiations. Subsequently, the Ministry of Finance adopted a pre-financing model, approved by Parliament in December 2023.
Under this arrangement, the Ministry agreed with Chinese firm Chinese Chongqing International Construction Corporation (CICO) to construct the road at a cost of UGX 691.680 billion. CICO would pre-finance the project, with repayment scheduled over two years starting in the financial year 2025/26.
