Museveni Pledges Road Decongestion with Pipelines, Railway Use for Cargo

By Phillipa Among Last updated Nov 22, 2024 27

President Yoweri Museveni recently officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for Uganda’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, marking the beginning of a transformative infrastructure development.

The railway, spanning 272 kilometers from Malaba at the Kenyan border to Kampala, is part of a larger 1,700-kilometer network aimed at bolstering regional trade and economic integration.

The project is being undertaken by Yapi Merkezi, a Turkish construction firm, under a $3 billion contract signed in October. The initiative seeks to connect Uganda’s transport network to Kenya’s rail infrastructure, enhancing access to the Indian Ocean port of Mombasa. Construction is expected to be completed within four years, with work commencing this November.

The SGR is envisioned as a game-changer for Uganda, reducing transport costs, facilitating trade, and making the country more competitive. The project includes electrified tracks, station facilities, and rolling stock procurement, with a commitment to incorporating 40% local content to benefit Ugandan suppliers and workers.

President Museveni emphasized the strategic importance of the railway in strengthening regional integration and ensuring Uganda’s economic competitiveness.

During the launch of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, he hailed the development as a cornerstone for Uganda’s industrial and trade aspirations. He emphasized that the SGR is a vital component of the country’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure and facilitate seamless trade within the East African region.

Museveni highlighted the economic benefits of the project, particularly its potential to significantly reduce transportation costs and enhance Uganda’s global market competitiveness.

He noted that by linking the Malaba border to Kampala and integrating with Kenya’s railway network, the project would ensure faster movement of goods to and from the Indian Ocean port of Mombasa, a critical trade hub for landlocked Uganda.

“The railway system is cheaper and relatively efficient. Transporting a 20-foot container from Mombasa to Kampala by train will cost 50% less than by road. Additionally, it will reduce time to Mombasa for instance to 24 hours from 14 days ( cargo ) and increase passenger speed from 35KPH to 120KPH. I am therefore happy to commission this project.” he added

The President noted that the congestion on the roads will also be significantly reduced with cargo and passengers using the SGR while plans are underway for petroleum to be transported via pipelines across EAC countries.

“Our transport system is irrational. Roads are overcrowded with cars and cargo. This leads to slow movement, increased traffic, and damaged roads. To solve this, cargo must move to railways and waterways, while petroleum products will be transported through pipelines.” he said

Adding that: “We will have a pipeline from Kenya, Uganda to Congo and a pipeline from Uganda to Tanzania, no more petrol cars on the roads”

Addressing critics of the project’s delayed start, Museveni acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in Yapi Merkezi, the Turkish firm entrusted with the project.

He praised the company for its track record, particularly its successful implementation of Tanzania’s SGR.

Museveni also underscored the importance of regional partnerships, commending Kenya’s commitment to extending its SGR to the Malaba border.

The president urged local stakeholders to actively participate in the project, emphasizing that 40% of the work would involve Ugandan contractors and suppliers. This, he stated, would ensure that the economic benefits of the railway’s construction reach the local populace.

The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, spoke enthusiastically about the milestone, calling it a significant moment in Uganda’s infrastructure development. He acknowledged the long wait for the project to come to fruition, stating that the 16-year delay was now over, and the contract for the first phase had finally been signed.

Katumba emphasized that the SGR would have a profound impact on Uganda’s economy by lowering transport costs and facilitating the smooth movement of goods, which would in turn stimulate trade.