MPs Demand Government Takeover of Kampala-Entebbe Expressway Operations

Members of Parliament have called for a complete government takeover of the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway’s operations, citing significant concerns about its current management. The Committee on Physical Infrastructure presented a report to Parliament recommending that the Ministry of Works and Transport assume immediate control.

This move, according to the MPs, is intended to reduce costs associated with private contractual agreements and safeguard revenue streams crucial for repaying the loan financing the expressway. The committee’s findings highlighted issues such as a reliance on cash transactions, questionable audit reports, contractor cost escalations, procurement irregularities, and public finance management challenges.

These issues have raised doubts about the project’s overall value for money and its ability to meet its financial obligations. Lawmakers specifically recommended that the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) manage all toll collections, implement an electronic payment system, and direct all proceeds into an account dedicated to loan repayment.

Furthermore, the committee is advocating for a thorough investigation into the expressway’s management, including a forensic audit of its operations and revenue collection. A particular focus is the reported Shs36 billion extension of a contract with Pinnacle Security Limited.

MPs also called for the investigation and potential prosecution of former officials from the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and the Ministry of Works and Transport for alleged oversight failures. The former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport is under scrutiny for approving a contract extension without Attorney General approval.

Discussions also touched on the potential loss of revenue due to weak systems and excessive reliance on cash payments. Legislators emphasized the need for increased adoption of digital payment methods to mitigate these losses. Concerns were also raised about the expressway generating sufficient revenue to recoup its investment.

While the Minister of Works requested more time to review the report, and the Prime Minister supported this, the Speaker ultimately decided the recommendations would be debated by the entire House. The committee’s findings are also being proposed as a template for future audits of public entities.

Source: Parliament of Uganda