MoWT Rolls Out Mobile Money Toll Payments on Kampala-Entebbe Expressway

Motorists using the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway can now pay toll fees directly via mobile money, following the official launch of the service on 25 September 2026 by the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT).

The cashless option is available at dedicated Lanes 4 and 5 at the Busega, Kajjansi, and Mpala toll plazas. Drivers simply provide their phone number to the toll agent, approve the payment prompt on their phone with their PIN, and proceed once confirmation is received. Official tests showed transactions typically complete in under a minute.

The service works across all mobile networks and does not require a pre-loaded Upesi card. Motorists are advised to keep their phones ready and ensure sufficient balance in their mobile money accounts before entering the dedicated lanes.

How it works

• Approach the toll plaza and enter Lane 4 or 5.
• Give your mobile number to the toll agent.
• Approve the payment request that appears on your phone by entering your PIN.
• Drive on once the transaction is confirmed.

Toll rates remain based on vehicle class and range from UGX 3,000 for eligible motorcycles to UGX 18,000 for large goods vehicles. Light vehicles pay UGX 5,000 per passage.

The new option joins existing payment methods — cash and Upesi electronic cards — giving road users greater flexibility on the 51 km expressway that links Kampala to Entebbe International Airport.

Why the change was needed

Daily traffic on the expressway has grown significantly, rising from about 21,000 vehicles in 2022 to approximately 29,000 in 2026. Eng. Dr. Timothy Tibesigwa, Acting Engineer-in-Chief at the Ministry of Works and Transport, noted that the increase has created a stronger need for faster and more convenient payment options.

The launch, held at Kajjansi Toll Plaza, was supported by MTN MoMo and attended by representatives from the Ministry, the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway operator, the Ministry of Finance, and other partners. Stakeholders highlighted the role of technology in improving the experience for motorists.

Looking ahead

The Ministry is preparing a full Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system for all lanes, expected in the 2027/28 financial year. The planned system will feature automated number plate recognition, prepayments, and self-service options.

For assistance, motorists can call the expressway’s toll-free line on 0800 270 170 or send a WhatsApp message to 0762 262 163.

The introduction of direct mobile money payments marks another step toward making Uganda’s first toll road more efficient and user-friendly as traffic volumes continue to grow.