Motorists using the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway can now pay toll fees directly through mobile money at designated lanes, following the launch of a new cashless payment system on Friday.
The system is available in lanes 4 and 5 at the expressway’s three toll plazas in Busega, Mpala and Kajjansi, according to the Ministry of Works and Transport. Current reporting says the service can be used across mobile networks.
The rollout follows testing of the system earlier this month. Ministry communications official Allan Ssempebwa Kyobe said the trials had been completed and that transactions were being processed in under a minute.
Under the new system, motorists using the designated lanes give their mobile phone number to the toll attendant. A payment prompt is then sent to the phone, where the motorist checks the transaction details and authorises the payment with a Mobile Money PIN.
Once the transaction is confirmed, the toll gate opens and the motorist proceeds.
The direct-payment option is different from the existing Upesi card system. The expressway operator already allows motorists to use MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money and Stanbic FlexiPay to top up electronic toll cards, which are then used at the toll booths. The operator’s website previously stated that paying directly by mobile money at the booth was not available because of concerns about transaction delays.
Ivan Katamba, Road Manager at Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, said the new system was intended to address difficulties experienced by road users.
“This solves a long-standing pain point for road users and makes toll payments more convenient,” Katamba said.
MTN Mobile Money Chief Product Officer Jemima Kariuki said the initiative expands the use of mobile payments into routine public services.
“Today, we’re extending the convenience of MoMo from payments and transfers to how Ugandans move,” Kariuki said.
Eng. Joan Alinda, Project Manager at Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, said the mobile-money system was part of broader efforts to improve services for motorists, including road safety, emergency response and customer convenience.
Alinda said the initiative was another step towards a more automated toll collection system.
The expressway, which links Kampala with Entebbe International Airport, is 51.4 kilometres long and is Uganda’s first toll road. Tolling began in January 2022.
Existing toll charges vary according to vehicle class. The published rates range from Shs3,000 for eligible motorcycles to Shs18,000 for the largest vehicle classes, while light vehicles pay Shs5,000 per passage.
The expressway also offers Upesi cards, including discounted Easy Pass, weekly and monthly options. The operator says the discounts can reach 70% for monthly passes.
Motorists who experience problems on the expressway can contact the operator through its toll-free line, 0800 270 170, or on 0762 262 163. The numbers are listed on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway’s official contact page.
The Ministry has indicated that the mobile-money option forms part of wider efforts to expand electronic payment channels and improve toll collection. Further system upgrades are also being considered, including a more automated tolling system with mobile money, toll cards and bank-card payments.
