The Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) has temporarily suspended the Passenger Train Services (PTS) along the Kampala-Namanve route to allow works around the Kinawattaka water drainage channel areas in Kampala district.
In the statement issued by Uganda Railways Corporation on Sunday, September 22, 2024, John Sengendo, the URC Senior Public Relations and Communications Officer, said that the PTS will be suspended effective Monday, September 23, 2024, to allow construction work along the Kinawattaka water drainage channel areas to take place.
According to Sengendo, the drainage channel construction repairs will take approximately three weeks, which will facilitate proper water flow and prevent debris buildup on the railway line embankment.
“Around the Katogo-Kinawattaka area, there is a stream that brings a significant amount of water and debris, adding excess weight to the railway line. To address this, we have decided to build a drainage channel on both sides of the road and the stream to reduce water force, minimizing potential damage to the embankment supporting the railway. We expect to resume passenger train services in about three weeks,” he stated.
He stated that the suspension will allow necessary works related to the Kinawattaka drainage system, which is part of broader efforts to enhance urban infrastructure and effectively manage storm water in Kampala. Sengendo added that URC will provide updates regarding the resumption of services once the construction work is completed.
This action reflects the ongoing efforts by local authorities to improve drainage systems in Kampala, which have been overwhelmed by flooding issues, particularly during heavy rains.
On May 1, 2024, URC reopened the Kampala-Namanve passenger railway service after it was closed in 2023 for renovation. URC currently operates four trips—two in the morning and two in the evening—between Kampala and Namanve at UGX 2,000 per trip, with a daily average of 1,600 passengers.