Power Outage Halts Entebbe Expressway Tolling at Kajjansi, Sparks Traffic

Motorists using the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway faced an unexpected disruption on Monday morning when a power outage temporarily halted toll collection at the Kajjansi Toll Plaza. The shutdown of the electronic tolling system forced authorities to implement an emergency measure, allowing vehicles to pass without paying.

This decision, aimed at preventing further traffic congestion, resulted in a temporary build-up of vehicles as the system was down. Allan Ssempebwa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Works and Transport, confirmed that free passage was an emergency protocol to be enacted when toll lanes become inactive, as stipulated in the operational contract.

“A terrible power shutdown earlier today disrupted the tolling system at Kajjansi Toll Plaza, along the Expressway, resulting in a temporary traffic build-up,” Ssempebwa stated. He further explained that this emergency measure was activated to minimize inconvenience while technical teams worked diligently to restore the system’s stability.

Contrary to initial reports suggesting a strike by toll operators over delayed salary payments, Joy Nabasa, spokesperson for EGIS (the contracted operator), clarified that the disruption was purely technical. She emphasized that workers had not gone on strike and that the issue stemmed from a technical fault affecting the tolling equipment.

While the system was being restored, some motorists reportedly took advantage of the free passage. Ssempebwa noted that any revenue lost during the outage would be deducted from payments due to the contractor. “Operations have since stabilised, and all lanes are active,” he confirmed.

The incident highlights the reliance on stable power for the efficient operation of the expressway’s tolling infrastructure. The Entebbe Expressway remains a vital artery for travel between Kampala and Entebbe, with toll fees contributing to its upkeep and maintenance. EGIS assured the public that technical teams are continuously working to ensure the system’s reliability. https://nilepost.co.ug/news/364239/power-shutdown-disrupts-entebbe-expressway-tolling-at-kajjansi