Uganda Toll Roads 2025: Complete Guide to Kampala-Entebbe Expressway
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Uganda Toll Roads 2025: Complete Guide
System: Single toll expressway (Kampala-Entebbe only)
Operator: UNRA (Uganda National Roads Authority) + Egis Road Operations
Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
Coverage: 37.23 km toll section + free alternative route
Technology: UPESI electronic cards, mobile money integration (MTN, Airtel)
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 remain toll-free.
Key Reality: You have two route options - the fast toll expressway (37.23 km) or the free but congested old Entebbe Road. Travel time difference: 35-45 minutes via expressway vs. 60-90 minutes via free road during peak hours.
2025 Update: Three years of operation have generated over UGX 119.8 billion in toll revenue, with daily traffic averaging 28,000 vehicles. The expressway has reduced monthly accidents from 21 to 9 per month.
Uganda Toll Costs: Current Rates
Uganda operates a single toll expressway with rates ranging from UGX 3,000 to UGX 18,000 per trip depending on vehicle class and payment method.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Class | Vehicle Types | Cash Rate (UGX) | With UPESI Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Motorcycles (400cc+) | 3,000 | 2,700 (10% discount) |
| Class 2 | Cars, SUVs, light vehicles | 5,000 | 4,500 (10% discount) |
| Class 3 | Medium trucks (2-3 axles) | 10,000 | 9,000 (10% discount) |
| Class 4 | Large trucks, buses (4-5 axles) | 15,000 | 13,500 (10% discount) |
| Class 5 | Extra-heavy vehicles (6+ axles) | 18,000 | 16,200 (10% discount) |
UPESI Card Discount Options
| Card Type | Discount Rate | Trips Included | Validity Period | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Pass | 10% discount | Pay-per-trip | Until balance used | Tourists, occasional users |
| Weekly Pass | 50% discount | 14 trips | 7 consecutive days | Regular commuters |
| Monthly Pass | 70% discount | 60 trips | 30 consecutive days | Daily commuters |
How to Pay Uganda Tolls
You can use the following payment methods for Uganda tolls:
1. UPESI Electronic Cards (Recommended):
- Free card issuance at any toll station (Busega, Kajjansi, Mpala)
- Requires National ID or Driving Permit for registration
- Minimum 10% discount on all trips
- Up to 70% discount with Monthly Pass
2. Mobile Money Top-up:
- MTN Mobile Money: Dial *165*4*5*6# or use MoMo app
- Airtel Money: Electronic top-up available
- Stanbic FlexiPay: Bank platform integration
- Minimum top-up: UGX 10,000
3. Cash Payment:
- Available at toll station points of sale
- No discounts applied (full cash rates)
- Limited to one-time payments
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, use TollGuru Uganda toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Operational Success:
- Three years of tolling (January 2022-2025) generated UGX 119.8 billion
- Daily traffic increased from 18,000 to 28,000 vehicles
- Monthly accidents reduced from 21 to 9 per month
- 4,570 daily users of UPESI cards for seamless payments
Mobile Money Integration:
- MTN Mobile Money partnership fully operational
- Airtel Money and Stanbic FlexiPay integration continues
- USSD and mobile app top-up options available
Loan Repayment Status:
- Toll collection extended beyond 2032 to complete $476 million loan repayment
- Annual repayment requirement: $26.8 million (approximately UGX 95 billion)
- Monthly target: UGX 7.8 billion (currently meeting targets)
Planning Your Uganda Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Airport trips: UGX 5,000 for cars (UGX 4,500 with UPESI Easy Pass)
- Daily commuting: Monthly pass offers 70% savings (UGX 1,500 per trip vs. UGX 5,000)
- Tourist travel: Easy Pass provides 10% discount with no trip commitments
- Alternative route: Free Entebbe Road available but adds 30-60 minutes
Travel Time Comparison:
- Expressway: 35-45 minutes Kampala to Entebbe Airport
- Old Entebbe Road: 60-90 minutes (peak hours up to 3 hours)
- Peak hour time savings: Up to 2 hours during heavy traffic
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway Uganda's only toll road?
Yes, it's currently Uganda's only toll road. All other roads including the old Entebbe Road remain free to use. The government is considering toll roads for future major infrastructure projects.
Can I avoid the toll by using the old road?
Yes, the original Entebbe Road is free but significantly slower and more congested. During peak hours, it can take up to 3 hours vs. 35-45 minutes on the expressway.
How do I get a UPESI card?
Visit any toll station (Busega, Kajjansi, Mpala) with National ID or Driving Permit. Cards are issued free, but replacement costs UGX 20,000. You can top up immediately at purchase.
What happens if my UPESI card runs out of balance?
You cannot proceed through the toll gate without sufficient balance. Top up at the toll station or use mobile money (MTN *165*4*5*6#) before continuing your journey.
Are there discounts for frequent users?
Yes, Weekly Pass offers 50% discount (14 trips in 7 days) and Monthly Pass offers 70% discount (60 trips in 30 days). Even the basic Easy Pass provides 10% discount.
Uganda vs. East African Neighbors
| Country | Toll System | Network Size | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda | Single expressway | 37 km (toll section) | UGX 3,000-18,000/trip |
| Kenya | Nairobi Expressway | 27 km expressway | KSh 120-450/trip |
| Tanzania | Limited toll roads | Select highways | TSh 500-3,000/trip |
| Rwanda | No toll roads | Free road network | Free |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | No toll roads | Free road network | Free |
| South Africa | Extensive network | 3,000+ km | R15-60/section |
Infrastructure & Economic Impact
Project Specifications:
- Total cost: US$476 million (funded by Exim Bank of China 73.58%, GoU 26.4%)
- Total length: 49.56 km (37.23 km toll section)
- Four-lane dual carriageway with three toll stations
- Operation contract: Egis Road Operations (2021-2026)
Economic Benefits:
- Enhanced airport connectivity (35-45 minutes vs. 60-90 minutes)
- Kampala traffic decongestion and improved urban mobility
- Tourism boost through reliable airport transfers
- Regional trade facilitation with improved cargo movement
Future Infrastructure Plans:
- Government considering toll roads for major future projects
- Uganda's annual infrastructure financing gap: US$1.4 billion
- Toll model being evaluated to reduce borrowing for infrastructure
Useful Links & Resources
Related African Toll Systems:
- Kenya Nairobi Expressway - Regional East Africa's other major toll road
- Tanzania Toll Roads - Limited toll system in neighboring Tanzania
- South Africa Toll Roads - Extensive African toll network for comparison
- Egypt Toll Roads - North African toll system experience
- Ghana Toll Roads - West African toll road development
- Nigeria Toll Roads - Major African toll network comparison
Official Uganda Resources:
- UNRA Official Website: UNRA.go.ug
- Kampala-Entebbe Expressway: KEE.go.ug
- Uganda Ministry of Works: Works.go.ug
Contact Information
UNRA Customer Service:
- 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: 911
- Roadside assistance: Contact UNRA customer care
