Govt to Install Vandal-Proof Fencing on Entebbe Expressway

The expressway is a four-lane toll expressway that links Entebbe International Airport to Kampala

The Ministry of Works and Transport is in the process of procuring and installing durable, vandal-resistant fencing along the Entebbe Expressway, in response to repeated cases of vandalism.

The new fencing is part of an effort to protect the road's infrastructure, which has faced numerous incidents of theft and damage to its current fencing.

Allan Ssempebwa, a communication specialist at the Ministry of Works and Transport, shared that the fencing will cover over 20 kilometers of the expressway.

“The expressway was designed with restricted access to pedestrians, allowing only authorized traffic. However, in some areas, vandals have been removing sections of the fence,” Ssempebwa explained.

“This has prompted us to seek materials that cannot easily be tampered with.”

The fencing materials will be sourced from China, with production currently underway.

Once completed, the materials will be delivered and installation will begin, with the full project expected to be completed later this year.

While the exact financial cost of the project has not yet been disclosed, the ministry said it was committed to implementing a solution that ensures the protection of the expressway’s infrastructure for the long term.

The Entebbe Expressway, Uganda's first toll road, was completed in 2018 at a cost of about $476 million (Shs1.8 trillion), making it one of the most expensive roads in the world.

It serves as a vital link between Entebbe International Airport and Kampala, easing traffic congestion and improving transport efficiency.

However, the repeated vandalism of infrastructure has posed a significant challenge to its operation.

The new vandal-proof fencing will be made from materials designed to withstand environmental wear and tampering, such as galvanised steel, stainless steel, and reinforced composites.

These materials will be used to create welded wire mesh, 358 security mesh, or solid metal panels, which are all known for their strength and resilience.

The installation of the new fencing is seen as a critical step in preserving the integrity of the expressway and ensuring safety for all users.

Ssempebwa emphasised the importance of these upgrades, stating, “Our goal is to ensure that the infrastructure remains intact and secure for the people who rely on it every day.”

The ministry's efforts come as part of ongoing work to safeguard key national infrastructure and prevent further damage caused by vandalism, which has become a growing concern across the country.

It also helps keep it free of pedestrians as the highspeed expressway does not permit pedestrians and motorcyclists.