Just recently, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni commissioned the newly revamped Mukono-Kampala meter gauge railway line. This project is a part of his four-decade government’s ambitious effort towards infrastructure development and also easing transport for the 46 million Ugandans.
The newly revamped railway line has been built using concrete sleepers which were manufactured manufactured by Imathia Construction Factory that is located in Kawolo, Lugazi. This revamped railway section has been designed to accommodate speeds of up to 120km/h. This is a significant upgrade from the old railway infrastructure which could accommodate speeds of only 20-35km/h.
Mukono-Kampala Meter Gauge Railway Project Factsheet
Project: Revamped/rehabilitated Mukono-Kampala Meter Gauge Railway
Length: 26.8 kilometers
Construction details: Revamped by use of concrete sleepers that were manufactured by Imathia Construction factory in Kawolo, Lugaz
Speed: Can allow up to 120km/h
Capacity: Commuter train can transport a total of 650 passengers in just one trip
Completion date: the rehabilitation works were completed on December 21, 2024
Future plans: the Ugandan government has set plans of extending this railway from Mukono to Lugaza and further to Jinja
Significance/purpose: it will address the transport challenges experienced on the busy and congested Kampala-Mukono road. It will also support the rationalization of Uganda’s transport system
Also read: $12.8 Billion Uganda SGR Project Commences
The current commuter train currently possesses a capacity of transporting a total of 650 people in just one trip.
Significance of the Project
At the launch of this railway section, President Museveni pointed out that the current transport system in the country is irrational. He also revealed that his government has kicked off its rationalization in order to achieve both effectiveness and efficiency. This railway section rehabilitation is seen to be a part of the rationalization process.
This newly revamped railway section will be of great benefit to its users in that it will allow them to retain some of their disposable incomes due to the pocket friendly prices.
Also read: Uganda Inaugurates Tororo-Kampala SGR Construction Works
Planned Overhaul of Uganda’s Old Metre Gauge Railway in Final Stages
