Uganda’s transportation landscape has undergone a significant transformation with the recent commissioning of the rehabilitated Mukono-Kampala meter gauge railway line. The upgraded line, which was unveiled by President Yoweri Museveni, is expected to have a profound impact on the country’s business and economy.
According to President Museveni, the rehabilitated railway line is part of the government’s efforts to rationalize the transport system. “The revived economy has put so many vehicles on the roads and these roads can’t cope rationally with the pressure. This is because everything is on the roads; cargo, petroleum products and passengers,” he said.
The upgraded line is designed to accommodate speeds of up to 120 km/hour, a significant improvement from the previous 20-35 km/hour. This increased speed, coupled with the line’s expanded cargo capacity, is expected to revolutionize the transportation of goods and people in Uganda.
The 26.8 km railway line has been constructed using concrete sleepers that were manufactured by Imathia Construction factory in Kawolo, Lugazi. The commuter train currently has a capacity of transporting 650 persons in a single trip.
Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, noted that the commissioned railway line is a vital infrastructure in dealing with the challenges associated with transport. “We started the commuter train as a trial. When we got this line for Namanve, we said why don’t we try a passenger train instead of waiting for only the goods train and we saw that we could do this early morning and late evening because that’s when most people move in and out of Kampala,” he said.
Gen. Katumba Wamala added that on average, they move about 650 people every morning and evening, and within 40 minutes from Mukono to Kampala. He also noted that the railway transport will help users retain some disposable income due to pocket-friendly subsidized fees.
Al-Hajji Abdallahtifu Wangubo, Chairperson Board-Uganda Railways Corporation, thanked the President for his wise leadership and support towards the construction of the railway line. “With the wise leadership of the President, we have had many changes that have taken place which have enhanced the stability of transit. Your Excellency, when you launched the Standard Gauge Railway construction in Tororo, you mentioned how you had been told of the big numbers of Ugandans using the old passenger train and how they keep pushing one another to get inside. Indeed Your Excellency, it’s true, the ridership is too much, we are overwhelmed and pray that we get more train coaches,” he said.
Al-Hajji Wangubo also noted that from June to date, they have transported over 220,000 passengers along the Kampala-Mukono route, and they intend to make this even bigger when they add other routes of Kampala-Kyengera and Kampala-Port bell.
The upgraded meter gauge line is expected to boost economic growth by increasing trade and commerce. With the ability to transport goods faster and more efficiently, Ugandan businesses will be able to access new markets and increase their exports.
