MPs Demand Government Takeover of Kampala-Entebbe Expressway Operations Amidst Management Concerns

Members of Parliament have called for the Ministry of Works and Transport to take over the management of the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway. The recommendation stems from the Committee on Physical Infrastructure’s findings, which highlighted several issues including a reliance on cash transactions, audit discrepancies, contractor cost problems, and public finance management challenges.

The committee’s report, presented by Chairperson Hon. Mwine Mpaka, expressed doubts about the Expressway’s financial oversight and its ability to generate sufficient revenue for loan repayment. “These concerns left the committee with limited assurance regarding the management of the project and raised questions as to whether the loan would be repaid as envisaged and whether the project reflected value for money,” Mpaka stated.

Further recommendations include tasking the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) with toll collections and the implementation of an electronic payment system. The committee also called for a forensic audit into the Expressway’s operations and revenue collection, as well as a review of the reported Shs36 billion contract extension with Pinnacle Security Limited.

MPs also suggested investigating and potentially prosecuting former officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport and UNRA for alleged failures in their oversight roles, particularly concerning the contract extension granted without Attorney General approval. Concerns were raised about Uganda losing revenue due to weak systems and an over-reliance on cash payments, with calls for increased digital payment adoption.

While the Works Minister requested more time to review the report, Parliament is expected to discuss the committee’s recommendations further.

Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4578/mps-call-government-take-over-operations-kampala-entebbe-expressway