President Museveni Launches Standard Gauge Railway Construction to Boost Trade and Connectivity
President Yoweri Museveni has launched the construction of the 272km Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Malaba to Kampala. The electric railway, expected to be completed in 48 months, aims to boost regional trade, create over 150,000 jobs, and cut production costs by 30%. This marks the first phase of a 1,700km SGR network connecting Uganda to neighboring countries.
President Museveni Yesterday 21st November officially Launched the 272km Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Malaba to Kampala
President Yoweri Museveni inaugurated construction works for the 272km Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) connecting Malaba to Kampala.
The ambitious project, which includes an electric railway line and associated infrastructure, is expected to be completed within 48 months.
“If we can have more railway transport within the city, there will be fewer people driving cars into the city. This will help to decongest the city. The train already in service has seen so many people use it,” President Museveni said at the launch.
President Museveni with vice President of Uganda and other delegates officiating at the groundbreaking of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) connecting Malaba to Kampala.
“This project will be a safer, efficient, and cost-effective bulk transport solution,” said Gen. Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport. “It will regenerate towns and cities along the route while providing a reliable transport system.”
The SGR network spans approximately 1,700km and is being developed in phases. The Malaba-Kampala route marks the first phase, with future plans to extend the Western route to connect with Rwanda and the DRC and the Northern route to link with South Sudan and the DRC.
This milestone follows Uganda’s October signing of a €2.7 billion contract with Turkish firm Yapi Merkezi for constructing the Eastern Route of the SGR between Tororo and Kampala.
During the signing ceremony on October 14, 2024, Gen. Wamala underscored the importance of local participation, urging Yapi Merkezi to reserve 40% of the contract value for Ugandan suppliers in line with the government’s Local Content Strategy. “Be transparent in all matters of local content to avoid disputes that can hamper project delivery,” he advised.
Artistic Impression of the standard Gauge Railway
The planned local participation aims to enhance capacity and ensure Ugandans benefit from the project from its onset.
Other SGR lines include the 465km Northern Line from Tororo-Gulu-Nimule (South Sudan border), the Western Line from Kampala-Bihanga-Kasese-Mpondwe (DR Congo border), and the Southern Line from Bihanga-Mirama Hills (Rwanda border).
