Tororo, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially launched the construction of the Kampala-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) yesterday, Thursday, November 22, 2024, marking a historic step in Uganda’s push to modernize its transport infrastructure.
The 273-kilometer railway will connect Uganda’s capital to Malaba, the gateway to Kenya’s port of Mombasa, significantly reducing transportation costs and boosting regional trade.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Tororo District, President Museveni underscored the importance of rationalizing Uganda’s transport system to reduce inefficiencies and enhance economic growth.
“Transporting goods on roads is irrational and costly,” he stated. “With the railway, cargo costs from Mombasa to Kampala will reduce by 50%, and transit time will drop from 14 days to just 24 hours.”
The railway is designed to handle 25 million tonnes of cargo annually and passenger trains capable of speeds up to 120 km/h, promising transformative effects on trade, logistics, and mobility.
The project will traverse 10 districts, including Tororo, Jinja, Buikwe, and Wakiso, and integrate key economic zones.
The SGR is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and operation, lower the cost of goods, and attract foreign investment.
Additionally, shifting cargo from road to rail will reduce road maintenance costs and environmental degradation caused by carbon emissions.
“This railway is not just a transport solution but an economic catalyst for Uganda and the region,” said Gen. Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport.
Turkish firm Yapi Merkezi Holding, the project’s contractor, assured high-quality execution.
The SGR is part of the Northern Corridor Integration Protocol, aimed at enhancing connectivity across East Africa. Uganda’s railway will link with Kenya’s SGR, which currently extends to Naivasha and will soon reach Malaba.
“This project strengthens regional trade, lowers costs, and enhances Uganda’s competitiveness,” Museveni added.
President Museveni also outlined broader plans, including constructing pipelines for petroleum products and airports to boost tourism.
He emphasized self-reliance, noting that oil revenue would soon finance critical infrastructure.
Vice President Jessica Alupo hailed the project as a transformative milestone, while Turkish Ambassador Mehmet Fatih AK praised its potential to improve connectivity and economic growth.
President Museveni called for rationalization across all sectors, urging Ugandans to embrace efficiency in governance, agriculture, and land use. He warned against exploitative moneylenders and encouraged vigilance in protecting citizens’ assets.
The ceremony, attended by government officials, local leaders, and residents, symbolized the beginning of a new chapter in Uganda’s development. As construction begins, the Kampala-Malaba SGR promises to be a game-changer for Uganda’s economic transformation and regional integration.