President Museveni is set to visit Tororo in Uganda’s Bukedi subregion to officially kick off the much-anticipated Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, a key part of Uganda’s national infrastructure strategy. This transformative initiative aims to modernize the transport network, boost trade, and foster economic growth.
Albert Amula, Tororo’s Deputy Resident District Commissioner, announced the upcoming visit via social media, noting, “With the contract signed between the Ugandan government and Turkish firm Yapi McKenzie for the Standard Gauge Railway, preparations are underway for the President to inaugurate the project site in Tororo.”
This major development follows long-standing discussions with global partners, culminating in the signing of a contract with Yapi McKenzie.
Once completed, the Standard Gauge Railway is expected to streamline logistics for businesses, create numerous job opportunities, and establish Uganda as a significant transit point in East Africa.
In October, Uganda signed a $3 billion (Shs 10.8 trillion) contract with Yapi Merkezi to construct the 272-kilometer SGR line connecting Malaba to Kampala. This critical rail line, slated to begin construction in late 2024, will link Uganda’s trade routes with Kenya’s rail system, extending to the Indian Ocean port of Mombasa.
With an estimated four-year timeline for completion, the SGR project will be instrumental in reducing transportation costs and boosting regional trade, aligning with Uganda’s Vision 2040 to modernize infrastructure and strengthen connections with neighboring countries.
The selected route through Tororo holds strategic importance due to its proximity to Kenya, positioning it as a vital hub for cross-border commerce. The railway is anticipated to bring widespread economic benefits to the Bukedi subregion, enhancing market access for local businesses, farmers, and communities across Uganda and the broader region.
The construction phase alone is projected to create thousands of jobs, driving economic growth in local communities.
Amula added that local officials, construction crews, and stakeholders are actively preparing the site for the official groundbreaking, which is expected to attract a significant audience of political leaders, local authorities, and community members keen to witness this transformative project’s launch.
Once operational, the Standard Gauge Railway will provide faster, more dependable rail transport across Uganda, supporting regional integration and creating new economic opportunities.
The groundbreaking ceremony represents a major milestone in Uganda’s infrastructure efforts and an essential step toward a more connected East African Community. While the exact date for the inauguration is still to be confirmed, Tororo is actively preparing to welcome the President and celebrate the beginning of this landmark national project.
