Parliament Launches Probe into Shs1.2 Trillion Entebbe Expressway Contract Amidst Irregularities

Lawmakers on Parliament’s Committee on Physical Infrastructure are scrutinizing the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway’s operations, focusing on contractual issues and financial management. The committee, chaired by Mwine Mpaka, has questioned former Works and Transport Minister Gen Edward Katumba Wamala and ex-UNRA executive director Allen Kagina regarding the troubled relationship with French tolling operator Egis Road Operation.

Kagina testified that she had identified 29 “red flags” concerning Egis during her tenure, characterizing the partnership as consistently problematic. This has led to questions from MPs about why the government did not terminate the contract despite ongoing concerns.

The probe has expanded to include allegations surrounding weigh-in-motion equipment. The Director of Road Infrastructure at the Ministry of Works and Transport, Johnbosco Ssejemba, was directed to provide statements regarding contract renewals worth approximately Shs16 billion for scales that MPs claim have not been installed or are unusable.

Further concerns have been raised about the expressway’s tolling and traffic management systems. Lawmakers question the adequacy of government control over the infrastructure and data necessary for accurate traffic and revenue accounting. Specifically, the absence of functional Adaptive Traffic Control Systems capable of real-time vehicle classification and weight monitoring has been highlighted.

The committee also questioned the Shs5 billion tolling system, with some members likening its functionality to a basic point-of-sale system and doubting its data integrity safeguards. The financial viability of the toll road, intended to help meet debt obligations, is under intense scrutiny, especially since tolling began after the government started loan repayments.

Recent financial irregularities, including two withdrawals totaling nearly Shs2 trillion from the project account shortly after a contract handover, are being closely examined. The committee is seeking comprehensive explanations for these transactions as part of its review of the expressway’s financial management.

This investigation highlights the critical need for transparency and robustness in the systems governing the expressway’s operations, traffic monitoring, and revenue collection. The involvement of the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) in the weigh-in-motion equipment contracts signals the potential for a deeper inquiry should evidence of wrongdoing emerge. Parliamentarians have vowed to pursue all contractual, technical, and financial questions until satisfactory answers are provided, aiming to ensure accountability for public funds and revenue.

Source: Nile Post