President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned the rehabilitated Mukono-Kampala meter gauge railway line, marking a significant milestone in Uganda’s transport sector.
The 26.8 km railway line, constructed using concrete sleepers manufactured by Imathia Construction factory in Kawolo, Lugazi, is designed for speeds of up to 120 km/hour.
This is a substantial upgrade from the old infrastructure, which allowed for only 20-35 km/hour.
The commuter train has a capacity of transporting 650 persons in a single trip.
According to President Museveni, the current transport system is irrational, and the government has begun to rationalize it to achieve effectiveness and efficiency.
“Remember the economy of Uganda had collapsed under Idi Amin since 1971, and by the time we came, it had shrunk by 40 percent.”
“We therefore undertook an initiative to revive the economy, and it has now been revived.”
“And because of the revival, we now have the pressure for rapid rationalization of the transport system.”
President Museveni further disclosed that the government will support the extension of the railway line from Mukono to Lugazi and to Jinja.
“I will support the taking of the money from the Spanish government to finish this part from here to Lugazi and then to Jinja.”
“But even without external support, we are going to fund it because we have no alternative.”
The President emphasized the importance of transporting petroleum products through pipelines.
“It is rational that petroleum products must be transported through the pipelines to and from Mombasa, to and from Dar-es-Salaam.”
“And later alone from the refinery in Hoima to the distribution points in Buloba.”
Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, highlighted the significance of the railway line in addressing transport challenges.
“We started the commuter train as a trial.”
“What started as a trial has now become a good challenge.”
“That challenge is how do we increase the services which have moved from Mukono up to Lugazi?”
Al-Hajji Abdallahtifu Wangubo, Chairperson Board-Uganda Railways Corporation, thanked the President for his wise leadership and support.
“With the wise leadership of the President, we have had many changes that have taken place which have enhanced the stability of transit.”
The railway sub-sector is on a transformation trajectory, with the government acquiring a facility from the African Development Bank to undertake major changes in the meter gauge infrastructure.
