Uganda Begins Construction of Its Longest Railway, Linking Kampala to Malaba

Uganda is set to transform its transportation sector with the construction of a 272-kilometer Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) connecting Kampala to Malaba, near the Kenyan border. This massive $3 billion project, managed by Turkey’s Yapı Merkezi, will link Uganda to Kenya’s railway network, offering a direct connection to Mombasa’s port, one of the busiest in East Africa. The project aims to make transporting goods faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective.

Construction is scheduled to start in November 2024, with completion expected in 2028. This SGR is part of a larger initiative to develop a 1,700-kilometer electric rail system in Uganda, enhancing regional trade and boosting the economy. By shifting goods transport from road to rail, the project will reduce transport costs and improve trade routes for businesses in Uganda.

Turkey’s Yapı Merkezi, which has already worked on Tanzania’s SGR, took over the project from China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). Tanzania’s SGR, which spans 1,219 kilometers from Dar es Salaam, also aims to improve regional trade. Both Tanzania and Uganda’s SGRs compete with Kenya’s existing railway network, showing the region’s collective focus on modernizing transport infrastructure.

Overall, this project is seen as a key driver for economic growth and trade efficiency in East Africa, positioning the region as a competitive player in global markets.

Quick Facts:

  • Constructor: Yapı Merkezi
  • Start date: November 2024
  • Completion date: 2028
  • Cost: $3 billion
  • Route: Kampala to Malaba

This development underscores Uganda’s commitment to infrastructure growth and regional collaboration in boosting trade and transportation.
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