MPs Summon Former Officials Over Entebbe Expressway Toll System Flaws

Lawmakers are raising concerns about potential financial losses due to significant flaws discovered in the tolling system on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway. The Committee on Physical Infrastructure conducted an on-site inspection and found the system to be largely manual and susceptible to abuse.

According to committee chairperson Mwine Mpaka, the manual nature of the toll collection process, particularly vehicle classification, is a major issue. He explained that discrepancies often occur between vehicle classes, leading to incorrect toll charges. This misclassification is reportedly reconciled manually by reviewing video footage, a process described as inefficient and prone to error.

Further issues identified include the tolling system occasionally freezing or stalling, which allows vehicles to pass through without being charged. Francis Katamba, a project manager with Pinnacle Security Limited, the firm handling collections, confirmed these incidents, stating that drivers sometimes pass before the barrier closes. While he claimed no significant financial losses result from these glitches, the committee remains unconvinced.

In response to these findings, the committee has summoned former Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala and former UNRA Executive Director Allen Kagina. They are expected to provide explanations regarding the contract awarded to Pinnacle Security Limited and the overall management of the tolling system, particularly concerning decisions made during contract renewals and procurement stages.

The committee intends to hold a final meeting on Thursday to gather all necessary information before concluding their investigation into the alleged revenue leakages on the critical expressway.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mps-summon-katumba-kagina-over-alleged-losses-on-entebbe-expressway—5554370