Railway infrastructure development in Uganda
The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Mr Matia Kasaija, presented to Parliament the Budget for the Financial Year 2024/2025. This budget, approved by Parliament, highlights significant achievements and future plans concerning railway transport in Uganda.
Achievements in the Previous Financial Year
Acquisition of Railway Corridor: A 161-kilometre corridor for the standard gauge railway between Tororo and Mayuge was acquired. Rehabilitation Progress: Twenty-eight per cent of the rehabilitation of the Tororo-Gulu Metre Gauge Railway was completed. Emergency Refurbishments: The Malaba-Kampala-Namanve Metre Gauge Railway underwent emergency refurbishment and rehabilitation.
Focus for Financial Year 2024/2025
For the upcoming financial year, the budget allocates Shs 4.989 trillion towards several critical infrastructure projects, with a particular emphasis on the railway sector. The key areas of focus include:
Maintenance of Existing Roads: Continued maintenance of the roads built in previous years. Construction of New Strategic Roads: Building a few new strategic roads to improve connectivity. Rehabilitation of Metre Gauge Railway: Accelerating the rehabilitation of the existing metre gauge railway. Construction of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR): Commencement of the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway.
Strategic Railway Projects
The Minister emphasised the importance of enhancing the transport of goods and cargo, identifying the railway as the next significant target. The reactivation of rail and water transport for cargo is seen as vital. Specific projects include:
Repairs and Rehabilitation: Repairing the old metre gauge railway from Malaba to Kampala, and from Tororo to Gulu and Pakwach. Standard Gauge Railway (SGR): Starting the construction of the SGR from Malaba to Kampala and extending it from Kampala to Mpondwe in Kasese, and eventually expanding to Gulu-Nimule.
Economic Impact of Railway Development
The Minister highlighted that a fully operational railway system will significantly reduce the cost of transporting goods to major regional destinations such as Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This will alleviate the current pressure on roads caused by heavy trucks, thereby reducing road maintenance costs, fuel consumption, and pollution.
In addition, the development of pipelines for petroleum is underway. This will further decongest the roads, ensuring that only passengers and light trucks remain, resulting in a more efficient and environmentally friendly transport system.
Government’s Commitment to Strategic Funding
Mr Kasaija reiterated the government’s commitment to directly fund strategic projects such as railways and irrigation using domestic resources, particularly oil revenue. This approach aims to reduce dependency on borrowing and ensure sustainable development.
The comprehensive plans outlined by the Minister of Finance reflect Uganda’s commitment to transforming its transport infrastructure, with the railway sector playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth and regional integration. As these projects progress, Uganda is poised to enhance its capacity for wealth creation, reduce logistical costs, and foster a more sustainable and efficient transport network.
