Uganda Launches Construction of Standard Gauge Railway Eastern Line
On November 21, President Yoweri Museveni officially inaugurated the construction of the 272-kilometer Eastern Line of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which will connect the capital city of Kampala to Malaba on the Kenyan border. The ceremony took place in Tororo district and marked a pivotal moment in Uganda's efforts to transform its economy, enhance regional integration, and fulfill the aspirations of its citizens.
During the launch, President Museveni emphasized the significance of the project, stating that it represents a crucial step towards economic transformation. The construction follows the signing of a €2.7 billion contract with Turkish contractor Yapı Merkezi on October 14, which includes the development of a 1,435 mm gauge line that will be electrified. The railway will feature UIC60 rails, a 25-tonne axle load, and a design speed of 120 km/h, with construction expected to be completed within 48 months. In a bid to foster local economic growth, the Ugandan government has mandated that 40% of the contract value be allocated to domestic suppliers.
This initiative aims to build local capacity and ensure that the Ugandan people benefit from the project from its inception. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Turkish Ambassador Fatih Ak expressed Turkey's enthusiasm for participating in Uganda's journey towards prosperity, highlighting the railway as a transformative project that will drive long-term economic growth and enhance regional integration. Looking ahead, Kenya is set to commence work in January 2025 on its section of the standard gauge line, which will connect with the Ugandan line at Malaba. Uganda’s Minister of Transport and Works, General Katumba Wamala, noted that both countries have coordinated their project timelines to ensure seamless train movement between Kampala and Mombasa. President Museveni criticized the current transport system in Uganda as "irrational," pointing out that overcrowded roads lead to slow movement and increased traffic congestion. He advocated for a shift towards rail and water transport, stating that moving cargo by rail is essential for improving efficiency.
The SGR is projected to reduce the cost of transporting a 20-foot container from Mombasa to Kampala by 50%, cutting the transit time from 14 days to just 24 hours. The government anticipates that the new railway line will create over 150,000 job opportunities, both directly and indirectly. Additionally, it is expected to lower road maintenance costs, boost exports, revitalize towns along the route, and enhance tourism. The long-term vision for the SGR network includes plans for a 465 km Northern line from Tororo to Gulu and Nimule at the South Sudan border, a Western line from Kampala to Bihanga, Kasese, and Mpondwe on the DR Congo border, and a Southern line from Bihanga to Mirama Hills on the Rwandan border. To complement the ongoing development of the standard gauge network, the Ugandan government has also decided to rehabilitate the existing Malaba-Kampala metre-gauge line, enhancing services during the transition to the new railway system.
