MPs call for government take over of Kampala-Entebbe Expressway operations

What the report says

The Parliamentary Committee on Physical Infrastructure has urged the Ugandan government to take over operations and maintenance of the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway and to investigate alleged weaknesses in how the project has been managed. The committee’s report was presented to Parliament by chairperson Mwine Mpaka on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, according to Watchdog Uganda.

The legislators said the Ministry of Works and Transport should assume control of the expressway to cut reliance on private contracting arrangements and better protect revenue intended to repay the loan used to finance the road. They raised concerns about continued cash-based toll handling, procurement issues, contractor costs, and broader public finance management questions, saying these factors reduced confidence that the project is delivering value for money.

The committee also recommended that the Uganda Revenue Authority take over toll collection and introduce electronic payments, with proceeds directed to an account for loan repayment. It further called for a forensic audit of the expressway’s operations and revenue, including scrutiny of a reported Shs36 billion extension of a contract with Pinnacle Security Limited. The MPs also said former UNRA and Works Ministry officials should be investigated over oversight and approval questions.

Several MPs backed stronger scrutiny and digital payments, while the Leader of the Opposition said government should first assess whether the ministry has the capacity to run the road. Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth said the House would consider the recommendations on Thursday, 27 August 2026.