Uganda MPs Question Government Over Entebbe Expressway Toll Revenue Discrepancies

On Thursday, Parliament questioned the government over spending Shs 122 billion to collect Shs 129 billion in toll revenue from the Kampala-Entebbe expressway, raising concerns over whether the country’s first tolled highway is delivering value for money.

The physical infrastructure committee's inquiry into the financial viability of the expressway has sparked debate on whether the project is economically sustainable. The government's decision to spend a significant amount of money to collect toll revenue from the expressway has raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether the costs outweigh the benefits. This development matters for practitioners and businesses as it highlights the need for careful financial planning and management in large infrastructure projects.

The relevant statutes and regulations governing public expenditure and infrastructure development in Uganda include the Public Finance Management Act, 2015, and the Infrastructure Development Decree, 2020. The committee's inquiry is also guided by the principles of transparency and accountability enshrined in the Constitution of Uganda. The key parties involved in this matter are the government, represented by the Ministry of Works and Transport, and Parliament, through its physical infrastructure committee.

Practitioners should monitor this development closely as it may lead to changes in public expenditure policies and regulations governing infrastructure development. Attorneys advising clients on large infrastructure projects should also take note of the need for careful financial planning and management to ensure that such projects deliver value for money.