Uganda Toll Roads Complete Guide: Kampala-Entebbe Expressway 2025
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Uganda Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection with Upesi smart cards
Coverage: Kampala-Entebbe Expressway (Uganda's first toll road)
Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
Technology: Electronic cards, mobile money, tap-and-go system
Operators: UNRA (Uganda National Roads Authority), Egis Road Operation
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Uganda? 2025 Update
Yes, you must pay tolls when using the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, Uganda's first and currently only toll road. The expressway is a premium route that provides faster, safer travel between Uganda's capital and its main international airport.
Key Reality: Uganda introduced tolling in January 2022 on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway as part of a sustainable infrastructure financing model. The toll system is mandatory for using this modern 4-lane highway that significantly reduces travel time between Kampala and Entebbe.
2025 Update: The expressway now serves over 28,000 vehicles daily and has collected over 119.8 billion UGX since tolling began. The government is planning additional expressway projects following the success of this toll road model.
Uganda Toll Costs: Current Rates
Uganda operates a single toll road - the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway - with rates based on vehicle classification. The 51.4km expressway includes three toll plazas at Busega, Kajjansi, and Mpala.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Class | Vehicle Type | Standard Rate | Upesi Card Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Motorcycles (>400cc) | 3,000 UGX | 2,700 UGX (10% off) |
| Class 2 | Cars, light vehicles, trailers | 5,000 UGX | 4,500 UGX (10% off) |
| Class 3 | Medium goods vehicles (2-3 axles) | 10,000 UGX | 9,000 UGX (10% off) |
| Class 4 | Large goods vehicles, buses (4-5 axles) | 15,000 UGX | 13,500 UGX (10% off) |
| Class 5 | Extra large goods vehicles (6+ axles) | 18,000 UGX | 16,200 UGX (10% off) |
Toll Plaza Locations
Busega Toll Plaza: Northern bypass connection to Kampala
Kajjansi Toll Plaza: Mid-point with Munyonyo spur connection
Mpala Toll Plaza: Airport connection point
How to Pay Uganda Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway:
1. Upesi Electronic Cards (Recommended):
- Free card issuance (20,000 UGX replacement fee if lost)
- 10% discount on all trips
- Tap-and-go convenience at toll plazas
- Weekly pass: 14 trips at 50% discount over 7 days
2. Mobile Money Top-up:
- MTN Mobile Money: *165*4*5*6# or MTN MoMo app
- Airtel Money: Available through Airtel app
- Instant recharging of Upesi cards
3. Cash Payment:
- Available at toll plazas
- No discount applied
- Ugandan Shillings only
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, use TollGuru Uganda toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Traffic and Revenue Growth:
- Daily traffic increased to 28,000 vehicles (up from 20,000 in 2022)
- Monthly toll revenue reached 3.7 billion UGX in 2025
- Total collection since 2022: 119.8 billion UGX
- Over 23.8 million vehicle passages recorded
Infrastructure Improvements:
- Complete street lighting installation across 51km
- Enhanced safety features and emergency response systems
- 24/7 toll-free emergency line: 0800 270 170
- 10-minute response time for roadside assistance
Operational Success:
- Egis Road Operation contract extended through 2026
- 120,000 motorists assisted through emergency services
- Significant reduction in road accidents compared to old route
- Mobile money integration successful with MTN and Airtel
Planning Your Journey
Route Benefits:
- Kampala to Entebbe Airport: 30-45 minutes (vs. 1-2 hours on old road)
- 4-lane divided highway with 80km/h speed limit
- 24/7 operation with full lighting and emergency services
- Weather-resistant surface suitable for all seasons
Cost Considerations:
- Single car trip: 5,000 UGX (4,500 UGX with Upesi card)
- Weekly commuter: 70,000 UGX (35,000 UGX with weekly pass)
- Airport transfers: Significant time savings justify toll cost
Free Alternative:
- Original Kampala-Entebbe Road remains free
- Significantly longer travel time (1-2 hours vs. 30-45 minutes)
- Heavy congestion during peak hours
- Government continues maintaining free road with tax funds
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Uganda tolls completely?
Yes, the original Kampala-Entebbe Road remains free and is maintained by the government. However, it takes 1-2 hours compared to 30-45 minutes on the expressway, especially during peak traffic hours.
What happens if I don't pay tolls?
The expressway is a controlled-access highway with toll barriers. You cannot use the expressway without paying the required toll fee at the entry points.
Are there any vehicle exemptions?
Only presidential motorcade, ambulances, fire brigade trucks, and police vehicles on official duty are exempt from tolls. All other vehicles, including motorcycles under 400cc, must pay.
How do I get an Upesi card?
Upesi cards are issued free at any of the three toll plazas (Busega, Kajjansi, Mpala) or designated points of sale. You'll need to provide your name, phone number, and vehicle registration for the card.
What are the operating hours?
The Kampala-Entebbe Expressway operates 24/7 with full lighting and emergency services. Toll collection is continuous at all three toll plazas.
Uganda vs. Regional Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda | Electronic cards + cash | 3,000-18,000 UGX | Single expressway |
| Kenya | Electronic + manual | 120-1,550 KES | Nairobi Expressway |
| Tanzania | Manual collection | 1,000-8,000 TZS | Limited network |
| Nigeria | Mixed systems | 200-2,000 NGN | Federal highways |
| South Africa | Electronic + manual | 10-150 ZAR | Extensive network |
Useful Links & Resources
Official Resources:
- Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) - Road policy and planning
- Egis Road Operation - Expressway management and maintenance
- Ministry of Works and Transport - Infrastructure development
Emergency Contacts:
- Toll-free emergency line: 0800 270 170
- Customer service: 0762 262 163
- Email: customercare@kee.go.ug
Regional Toll Information:
- Kenya Tolls - Nairobi Expressway system
- Tanzania Tolls - Regional toll network
- Nigeria Tolls - West African toll comparison
- South Africa Tolls - Advanced toll systems
