President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially commissioned the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Tororo District, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to modernize its transport infrastructure.
The Malaba-Kampala SGR line, which is a critical part of this project, is estimated to cost $3 billion (Shs10.9 trillion), reflecting an increase of $900 million (Shs3.2 trillion) from the original project cost. The escalation has been attributed to adjustments in design and construction requirements to ensure the railway meets international standards.
During the ceremony, President Museveni emphasized the importance of rationalizing Uganda’s transport systems to address inefficiencies and alleviate congestion on the country’s roads. “Our transport system is irrational. Roads are overcrowded with cars and cargo, leading to slow movement, increased traffic, and damaged roads,” he noted.
The SGR project is designed to shift cargo transport from roads to railways and waterways, with petroleum products transported via pipelines. President Museveni highlighted the railway system’s cost-effectiveness and efficiency, stating that transporting a 20-foot container from Mombasa to Kampala by train will be 50% cheaper than using roads. The SGR will also reduce the time it takes to move cargo between Kampala and Mombasa from 14 days to just 24 hours. Passenger travel speeds are expected to increase significantly, from 35 km/h to 120 km/h.
The President also linked the project to broader discussions on rationalization, a topic recently debated in Parliament. “Why are the Ministry of Transport and UNRA duplicating efforts? Rationalization helps to address such inefficiencies,” he said, reiterating that the SGR project is a crucial part of this strategy.
President Museveni expressed gratitude to the Turkish government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, for supporting the project. He also commended Yapi Merkezi Holding, the Turkish construction firm executing the project, describing them as “very active people” and expressing confidence in their ability to deliver quality work.
The SGR is expected to transform Uganda’s transportation sector, facilitating faster, more affordable, and environmentally friendly movement of goods and people. “I congratulate everybody and wish you good luck,” President Museveni concluded.
This initiative aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 strategy, which prioritizes infrastructure development as a key driver of economic growth and regional integration.
