MPs Demand Government Takeover of Kampala-Entebbe Expressway Operations

Members of Parliament have strongly advocated for the government to seize operational control of the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, citing significant concerns regarding its management and financial oversight. The Committee on Physical Infrastructure, in a report presented to the House, recommended that the Ministry of Works and Transport immediately take over all operations and maintenance of the road.

The committee’s report detailed several red flags, including a continued reliance on cash transactions, auditor general’s findings, issues with contractor expenses, and procurement irregularities. These concerns have led legislators to question whether the loan used to finance the expressway will be repaid and if the project represents good value for money.

To address these issues, the MPs proposed that the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) take charge of toll collections and implement an electronic payment system. All collected revenue should then be directly deposited into an account designated for loan repayment. Furthermore, the committee has called for a thorough investigation into the expressway’s management, including a forensic audit of its operations and revenue streams.

Specific attention was drawn to the extension of a contract with Pinnacle Security Limited, reportedly worth Shs36 billion, which the committee wants scrutinized. Additionally, MPs recommended that former officials from UNRA and the Ministry of Works and Transport be investigated and potentially prosecuted for alleged failures in their oversight roles, particularly concerning the contract extension for Pinnacle Security Limited which allegedly lacked Attorney General approval.

While some supported the call for a takeover, others, including the Leader of the Opposition, advised caution, suggesting a prior assessment of the Ministry of Works and Transport’s capacity to manage such a critical infrastructure. The Speaker has proposed forming a working group to further examine the committee’s recommendations, with a final decision expected from the full House.