A major component of Uganda’s national infrastructure strategy, the Kampala-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is set to modernise the nation’s transport network, improve regional trade, and streamline logistics. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni launched the project today, and it has attracted a lot of interest from both local and foreign stakeholders who see the potential of the railway to transform Uganda’s economy.
The railway line will pass through Tororo, Butaleja, Namutumba, Luuka, Iganga, Mayuge, Jinja, Buikwe, Mukono, and Wakiso on its journey from Malaba to Kampala. Beginning in November 2024, the project should be finished in 48 months.
President Museveni reaffirmed the significance of streamlining Uganda’s public services and infrastructure in order to cut down on inefficiencies and promote economic growth during the project’s groundbreaking ceremony in Tororo District.
In response to recent parliamentary discussions, President Museveni stated that he defined rationalisation as eliminating the irrational in order to embrace a more pragmatic and effective strategy.
“What is the purpose of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA)? That is a waste of money, isn’t it? Why should the Ministry of Transport and UNRA be doing the same thing even in the road sector? Such inefficiencies are addressed by rationalisation,” he said.
The President also connected Uganda’s attempts at rationalisation to the country’s larger economic resurgence since 1986. He pointed out that although the economy has grown and changed, the nation’s transit infrastructure is still expensive and ineffective.
“We have an illogical transport system. There are too many vehicles and goods on the roads. Road damage, more traffic, and delayed mobility result from this. President Museveni stated, “In order to address this, cargo must be moved to railroads and waterways, and petroleum products will be transported through pipelines.”
In order to facilitate the transfer of petroleum, he also disclosed plans for pipelines that would connect Kenya to Uganda and then extend to Congo and Tanzania. In order to boost tourism and allow visitors to reach national parks directly, he also announced the development of airports close to Kidepo, Bwindi, and Kasese.
The President also emphasized how railways are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than roads.
A 20-foot container will cost 50% cheaper to transport by train than by car from Mombasa to Kampala. “Trails should be used for freight, and roads should be used mainly for passengers,” he said.
People are tricked by some of these moneylenders into signing away their land. We’re going to lock them up. He asked, “Report such cases.”
In order to boost productivity, President Museveni also urged Ugandans to maximize land utilization through programs like the Four-Acre Model and irrigation systems.
“You will make a lot of money if you adhere to these guidelines. He counseled, “Stop misusing and underusing land.”
For their contributions to the development of Uganda’s infrastructure, he thanked the Turkish government and the construction company Yapi.
The President also emphasized the impending arrival of petroleum funds, which will be used to fund important national initiatives.
We’ll receive our petroleum money very soon, and we’ll use it to construct vital infrastructure. Because it lowers expenses, fosters peace, and advances development, this endeavor is essential,” he continued.
H.E. Jessica Alupo, the vice president, thanked the president and Ugandans on the opening of the Malaba-Kampala Standard Gauge Railway line.
“Your Excellency, as you have always said, infrastructure is one of the catalysts for development and transformation, which is why this project has been long awaited,” she said.
“The project will improve our nation’s ability to draw in foreign investors, which will have a positive effect on our economy by creating more industries, jobs, and wealth.”
According to Gen. Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, President Museveni and his then-co-President of the Republic of Kenya came up with the idea to build a regional standard railway system in order to promote regional integration back in 2008.
In 2014, a regional standard railway protocol was signed under the Northern Corridor Integration’s auspices. The principal port of Mombasa and the capitals of the individual partner states will be connected by the proposed Standard Gauge Railway network. Northern Corridor entry port,” Gen. Katumba stated.
To make links with the other nations easier, it was agreed that each country would build its own segments of the Standard Gauge Railway network. Kenya has so far advanced to Naivasha, and as soon as we get an agreement with them, they will begin building from Naivasha, Kisumu, to Malaba in January.
He continued by saying that the SGR is still one of the most important government initiatives that is in line with the nation’s National Development Plan, Vision 2040, and the NRM Manifesto, among other documents.
According to the Minister, the SGR will help achieve the goals of regional integration and reduce the high cost of transportation, which will result in a decrease in enterprises’ overall spending.
According to H.E. Mehmet Fatih AK, the Turkish ambassador to Uganda, they have established a basis for future prosperity, economic expansion, and enhanced connectivity in Uganda.
“The railway project is more than just a transportation project for a nation that is positioned as a developing hub in East Africa. Tens of thousands of employment will be created both during and after construction, he stated.
“It will strengthen supply chains, stimulate industries, and increase Uganda’s competitiveness in international markets.” As a result, we are delighted to accompany Uganda on its path to success.
According to Mr. Erdem Arioglu, vice chairperson of Yapi Merkezi Holdings, the ceremony is being held not only to inaugurate the iconic project but also to celebrate a groundbreaking development that will unite nations, promote economic progress, and fortify ties between the brotherly nations.
In addition to representing advancement, the SGR project serves as evidence of what is possible when people band together with a common goal. With a capacity to move 25 million tonnes of freight a year, the 273-kilometer Malaba-Kamppala Railway, which connects Uganda and Kenya, is expected to play a significant role in regional trade and mobility, he said.
