Insights into Uganda Railways Corporation's projects and regional connectivity
At the African Union Commission (AUC) Continental Workshop on the Implementation of the Africa Integrated Railways Network (AIRN) held in May 2024 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Jesca Bakazibazira, Senior Commercial Officer at Uganda Railways Corporation (URC), discussed URC’s railway programs and regional connectivity initiatives.
In her presentation, Bakazibazira traced the history of Uganda’s railways, which began when the railway reached Kampala in 1931 and Kasese in 1956. Originally, the Uganda Railway extended 1,060 kilometers from Mombasa to Kisumu, constructed between 1896 and 1901. Significant milestones include the formation of East African Railways in 1948 and the establishment of URC in 1992 following the East African Community's breakup in 1977. Currently, URC operates only 269 kilometers of its 1,266-kilometer network, with efforts underway to rehabilitate the remaining 997 kilometers.
A key project is the rehabilitation of the 375-kilometer Tororo-Gulu line, which is essential for improving connectivity to Rwanda and South Sudan. URC’s services encompass freight, passenger transport, and marine operations, with plans to extend commuter services to Mukono by June 2024. The marine segment includes two roll-on/roll-off vessels that facilitate cargo movement between Uganda and Tanzania. Bakazibazira also highlighted important logistics hubs, such as the Gulu Logistics Hub, which serves South Sudan and Eastern Congo, as well as the Mukono Inland Container Depot.
The Northern Corridor from Mombasa to Kampala is critical for Uganda's freight transport, while the Central Corridor through Mwanza significantly contributes to freight movement. Current projects include the rehabilitation of the Tororo-Gulu line, which is 30% complete, and the upgrading of the Kampala-Mukono line, now at 75% completion. URC is also focused on capacity building, with a €25.9 million initiative aimed at enhancing efficiency through consultancy services. Future plans involve expanding the railway network, including the upgrade of the Kampala-Port Bell and Kampala-Kyengera lines, supported by funding from the African Development Bank.
Furthermore, ministers from Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya are committed to advancing the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, starting with the Kampala-Malaba section. Bakazibazira stressed the importance of continuous funding and interventions to achieve URC's objectives and ensure the sustainability of the railway network. Interoperability with neighboring countries' rail systems remains a key challenge, with Uganda adopting standards set by Kenya Railways. In summary, the advancements in Uganda's railway sector are vital for enhancing regional connectivity and fostering economic development in East Africa.
