The Ministry of Works and Transport in Uganda has introduced a mobile money payment service for toll fees on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway in partnership with MTN MoMo Uganda Ltd. This new service aims to provide motorists with a more convenient and seamless tolling experience. It was launched at the Kajjansi Toll Plaza in Kampala and is an addition to the existing payment options, including cash and the cashless NFC card.
The mobile money payment service will be available at lanes 4 and 5 of all three toll plazas, located in Busega, Kajjansi, and Mpala. This solution is part of the Ministry's strategy to transition toll payments to purely cashless payments through Automated Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) across Uganda's transport ecosystem. The move is expected to improve efficiency and convenience for road users while embracing technology in Uganda's transport infrastructure.
Eng. Dr. Timothy Tibesigwa, the Ag. Engineer-in-Chief at the Ministry of Works and Transport, stated that the introduction of mobile toll payments is an interim measure that represents the initial phase in the transition towards the broader Electronic Toll Collection System (ETC). He emphasized the Ministry's commitment to continually modernizing the tolling experience for road users and providing a range of cashless payment channels.
Jemima Kariuki, MTN MoMo Uganda's Chief Products Officer, highlighted that the introduction of mobile toll payments demonstrates how digital financial services can simplify everyday experiences beyond traditional mobile money transactions. The process of making a payment is simple and fast, designed to take only a few seconds. Motorists can make payments by providing their mobile number to the toll agent, receiving a payment prompt on their phone, and authorizing the transaction using their Mobile Money PIN.
The technology deployed to support the service facilitates near-instant payment confirmation, allowing motorists to complete the transaction within seconds. Ivan Katamba, the Road Manager from Pinnacle Security Limited, the operators of the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, welcomed the service, stating that the lack of a mobile payment option has been a pain point for many expressway users. He believes that this service will improve the expressway user experience.
The UPESI Card remains one of the available cashless payment options for motorists across all lanes, alongside the newly enabled mobile payment option. The range of payment methods gives road users greater flexibility while supporting the gradual shift from cash-based transactions to more efficient digital alternatives. This partnership between the Ministry of Works and Transport and MTN MoMo Uganda Ltd aims to enhance the overall tolling experience on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway.
The introduction of mobile money payments on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway is a significant step towards embracing digital payments in Uganda's transport sector. This service is expected to reduce reliance on cash and create a more efficient and convenient tolling experience for motorists. The Ministry of Works and Transport and MTN MoMo Uganda Ltd are working together to ensure a seamless transition to cashless payments.
Key points
- The Ministry of Works and Transport has partnered with MTN MoMo to introduce a mobile money payment service for toll fees on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway.
- The service aims to provide motorists with a more convenient and seamless tolling experience, reducing reliance on cash.
- The introduction of mobile money payments is part of the Ministry's strategy to transition toll payments to purely cashless payments through Automated Electronic Toll Collection (ETC).
