Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) collects shs 2.5 billion from motorists who use Entebbe Expressway every single month. UNRA charges shs 5000 for one way ticket at every toll gate. Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) on Wednesday, UNRA officials led by Executive Director Allen Kagina revealed that part of the money collected pays EGIS Roads Operation, a South African firm that maintains the road.through cleaning it up.
The maintenance according to Allen Kagina, includes cleaning the highway with water trucks. UNRA further said part of the money also pays staffs who manage the toll gates and collect the money. The remaining 1 billion services the loan which Uganda acquired from Exim Bank to construct the Entebbe Expressway.
It should be recalled that Uganda borrowed shs 800 billion with an interest rate of 2% from Exim bank China to construct the highway in 2012 Government resolved to charge motorists to be able to raise the funds to service the loan. COSASE also sought explanation for the shs. 35 billion per kilometer average cost of the 51km Kampala-Entebbe Expressway.
The MPs further resolved to probe the Uganda National Roads Authority-UNRA for allegedly extorting money from truck drivers at weighbridges. Weighbridges are used to determine the weight of heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and other large vehicles in transit as they ferry goods in and out of production or distribution centres.
Joel Ssenyonyi, the Committee chairperson said that while UNRA is struggling to raise funds for the construction of different road projects, some go ahead to collude with drivers to pay bribes and dodge penalties for overloading at the weighbridges, something that is greatly hindering the development process.
