This archive report was first published on 23 September 2019.
Uganda is set to introduce a road toll on the 55-kilometre Entebbe Expressway in January 2020, as the government seeks to raise funds for public infrastructure projects.
The expressway, which links Kampala to the Entebbe International Airport, has been free for use since its opening in June last year.
According to Uganda National Roads Authority executive director Allen Kagina, the government has a commitment to repay a $476 million loan from the China Exim bank, payable over 40 years at a two per cent interest rate.
The loan was used to fund the construction of the expressway, which is considered one of the most expensive roads of its length in the world.
Ms Kagina noted that projections show an increase in traffic on the expressway, concurrently increasing numbers of passengers using the Entebbe International airport, and that those surveyed are willing to pay a toll fee.
The government is seeking to collect money to repay the loan, with the process of crafting costs to be paid by particular vehicle types ongoing.
Other countries in the region, including Kenya and Tanzania, have also planned to introduce road tolls on various highways.
