toll-wiki/uganda-tolls-kampala-entebbe-expressway
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Uganda Toll Roads 2025: Complete Guide
System: Single toll expressway (Kampala-Entebbe)
Operator: UNRA (Uganda National Roads Authority)
Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
Coverage: 37.23 km expressway + free road alternative
Technology: UPESI electronic cards, mobile money integration
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Uganda? 2025 Update
Only on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway. Uganda has just one toll road - the four-lane Kampala-Entebbe Expressway connecting the capital to Entebbe International Airport. All other roads in Uganda are toll-free.
Toll Requirements:
- UPESI card mandatory for expressway access
- Free alternative route available (Entebbe Road)
- Electronic payment only - no cash accepted
- Mobile money top-up available (MTN, Stanbic FlexiPay)
Road Options:
- Kampala-Entebbe Expressway: Fast, tolled (37.23 km)
- Entebbe Road (old route): Free, congested, slower
Uganda Toll Costs: Current Rates
Vehicle Classification & Rates (2025)
| Vehicle Class | Vehicle Types | Toll Rate (UGX) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Motorcycles (400cc+) | 3,000 | Large motorcycles only |
| Class 2 | Cars, SUVs, light vehicles | 5,000 | Private cars, taxis, light trucks |
| Class 3 | Medium trucks (2-3 axles) | 10,000 | Delivery trucks, medium cargo |
| Class 4 | Large trucks, buses (4-5 axles) | 15,000 | Heavy trucks, passenger buses |
| Class 5 | Extra-heavy vehicles (6+ axles) | 18,000 | Heavy freight, articulated trucks |
UPESI Card Discount Options
| Card Type | Discount Rate | Minimum Top-up | Validity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Pass (Daily) | 10% discount | UGX 20,000 | Pay-per-trip | Occasional users |
| Weekly Pass | 50% discount | UGX 35,000 | 14 trips in 7 days | Regular commuters |
| Monthly Pass | 70% discount | UGX 90,000 | 60 trips in 30 days | Daily commuters |
Cost Examples (Class 2 Vehicles)
| Payment Method | Single Trip Cost | Monthly Cost (40 trips) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Rate | UGX 5,000 | UGX 200,000 | - |
| Easy Pass (10%) | UGX 4,500 | UGX 180,000 | UGX 20,000 |
| Weekly Pass (50%) | UGX 2,500 | UGX 100,000 | UGX 100,000 |
| Monthly Pass (70%) | UGX 1,500 | UGX 60,000 | UGX 140,000 |
How to Pay Uganda Tolls
UPESI Card Purchase
- Toll stations: Busega, Kajjansi, Mpala (free card issuance)
- Requirements: Name, phone number, vehicle registration
- Replacement cost: UGX 20,000 if lost/damaged
- Identification: Linked to user's National ID and phone number
Top-up Methods
- Cash: At toll station points of sale
- MTN Mobile Money: USSD *165*4*5*6# or MoMo app
- Stanbic FlexiPay: Bank platform integration
- Airtel Money: Electronic top-up option
- Minimum top-up: UGX 10,000
Mobile Money Process (MTN)
1. Dial *165*4*5*6# or use MoMo app 2. Select UPESI card type (Easy Pass, Weekly, Monthly) 3. Enter card number 4. Enter top-up amount (minimum UGX 10,000) 5. Confirm with MTN Mobile Money PIN
Recent Changes (2025)
- Operational since January 2022: Toll collection fully functional
- Mobile money integration: MTN and Stanbic FlexiPay partnerships
- Collection performance: UGX 2.5 billion collected in first month
- Egis operation contract: Extended through 2026
- Government expansion plans: Considering tolls on future major projects
Uganda vs. East African Neighbors
| Country | Toll System | Network Size | Payment Methods | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda | Single expressway | 37 km (toll section) | UPESI cards, mobile money | UGX 3,000-18,000/trip |
| Kenya | No toll roads | Free road network | N/A | Free |
| Tanzania | No toll roads | Free road network | N/A | Free |
| Rwanda | No toll roads | Free road network | N/A | Free |
| South Africa | Extensive toll network | 3,000+ km | e-Tags, cash | R15-60/section |
Kampala-Entebbe Expressway Details
Route Specifications
- Total length: 49.56 km (37.23 km toll section)
- Lanes: Four-lane dual carriageway
- Construction cost: US$476 million
- Funding: Exim Bank of China (73.58%) + GoU (26.4%)
- Operator: Egis Road Operation (2021-2026)
Key Sections
- Busega to Mpala: 24.5 km (main toll section)
- Kajjansi to Munyonyo Spur: 12.68 km
- Mpala to Entebbe Airport: 8.32 km (widening/overlay)
- Toll stations: 3 locations (Busega, Kajjansi, Mpala)
Travel Time Comparison
- Expressway route: 35-45 minutes Kampala to Airport
- Old Entebbe Road: 60-90 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Peak hour savings: Up to 1 hour time reduction
- Traffic relief: Significant decongestion of urban areas
Planning Your Uganda Journey
Cost Considerations
- Airport trips: Budget UGX 5,000-18,000 depending on vehicle
- Daily commuting: Monthly pass offers 70% savings for regular users
- Tourist travel: Easy pass (10% discount) sufficient for occasional use
- Alternative route: Free Entebbe Road available but much slower
Travel Tips
- Card purchase: Get UPESI card at any toll station (free issuance)
- Top-up strategy: Use mobile money for convenience
- Peak hours: Expressway provides consistent travel times
- Vehicle classification: Ensure correct class to avoid additional charges
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway the only toll road in Uganda?
Yes, it's currently Uganda's only toll road. All other roads including the old Entebbe Road remain free to use.
Can I avoid the toll by using the old road?
Yes, the original Entebbe Road is free but significantly slower and more congested, especially during peak hours.
How do I get a UPESI card?
Visit any of the three toll stations (Busega, Kajjansi, Mpala) with identification. Cards are issued free, but replacement costs UGX 20,000.
What happens if my UPESI card runs out of balance?
You cannot proceed through the toll gate. You must top up at the toll station or use mobile money before continuing.
Are there discounts for frequent users?
Yes, weekly passes offer 50% discount (14 trips in 7 days) and monthly passes offer 70% discount (60 trips in 30 days).
Can tourists easily use the expressway?
Yes, Easy Pass cards are ideal for tourists, requiring no minimum usage and offering 10% discount per trip.
Is mobile money top-up reliable?
Yes, MTN Mobile Money and Stanbic FlexiPay integration is well-established with USSD and app options available.
Infrastructure & Economic Impact
Loan Repayment Structure
- Total loan: US$350 million from Exim Bank of China
- Repayment period: July 2019 - January 2032
- Revenue allocation: Tolls fund operations, maintenance, and loan repayment
- Tax funds: Continue maintaining free alternative route
Regional Development
- Airport connectivity: Enhanced access to Entebbe International Airport
- Trade facilitation: Improved cargo movement to/from airport
- Urban decongestion: Reduced traffic on Kampala streets
- Tourism boost: Faster, more reliable airport transfers
Future Expansion Plans
- Government strategy: Additional toll roads planned for major projects
- Debt reduction: Toll model to minimize future borrowing
- Infrastructure gap: US$1.4 billion annual financing need identified
- Regional integration: Enhanced East African transport corridors
Contact Information
UNRA (Uganda National Roads Authority)
- Toll-free: 0800 270 170
- Direct line: 0762 262 163
- Email: customercare@kee.go.ug
- Address: Kajjansi Toll Plaza, P.O Box 103910, Kampala
Emergency Services
- Police: 999 or 112
- Medical emergency: Call 911 or nearest hospital
- Roadside assistance: Contact UNRA customer care
Mobile Money Support
- MTN Mobile Money: Standard MTN customer service
- Stanbic Bank: FlexiPay platform support
- Technical issues: Contact respective service providers
