The dos and don’ts of  driving on Kampala- Entebbe expressway

Navigating the  Kampala-Entebbe Expressway that connects the Northern Bypass at Busega to Entebbe International Airport  has been a challenge to many drivers.

Many have reported cases of mistakenly turning off the expressway but here are a few tips and rules to observe while driving on the road.

Joining from an entry road

→ As you enter the entry road, give a change of direction signal early to avoid collision with other drivers.

→ When safe, accelerate along the entry road to merge with the expressway traffic at the same speed.

→ Wait well back in the entry road until you see a safe gap in the freeway/expressway traffic.

→ Take care that traffic in front of you has cleared the entry road.

On entering the expressway, keep a safe following distance for the higher speed.

Leaving the expressway

·If you are not going to the end of the expressway, you will leave by an exit road.

·Watch for signs warning you that the exit is near.

·Move into the appropriate lane in good time.

·Keep indicating when you join the exit road and then reduce speed in the exit road.

·Take care – when you have been driving for a while at a steady fast speed, it is hard to judge slower speeds – 80 km/h may seem like 60 km/h. Check your speedometer.

Not permitted on the expressway

  Make U-turns.

  Reverse.

  Park or stop other than in emergencies

Observe these measures

·        Respect the speed limit( The maximum speed limit is 100km/hr).

·        Don’t use your phone while driving.

·        Reduce driving speed during and after bad weather.

·        Don’t drink and drive.

·        Always drive cars in good mechanical condition.

·        Keep left.

·        Only use the right lane to overtake.

·        Maintain a safe distance of 60 metres from other vehicles while driving on the expressway.

The Kampala-Entebbe Expressway has  toll plazas at Busega, Mpala and Kajjansi with the Busega toll plaza featuring six toll gates, while the Mpala and Kajjansi have five gates each.

Motorists pay shs3000 for those using  motorcycles with more than 400cc but  boda bodas are not allowed on the highway.

On the other hand, light vehicles  pay shs5000, medium goods vehicles pay shs10,000, large goods vehicles and buses shs15000 and  large goods vehicles  pay shs18000 for using the road.

There is a 50% discount for weekly users for seven-day return trips purchased in advance while monthly users have up to 70% in discount for 30 days return trips paid for in advance whereas electronic prepaid card users have 10% discount per trip.

Motorists can pay for using the expressway using cash, MTN Mobile money, Airtel Money or purchasing a pre-paid Upesi card which comes with discounts.

Only the presidential convoy, ambulances and fire brigade are  exempted from paying the roll toll for using the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway.

In you get mechanical problem,  pull over and stop along the left side of the road and if possible, exit the Kampala – Entebbe Expressway.

You can then call  toll free number 0800 270 170 or 0762 262 163 for assistance.