parliament 11 August 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Parliament Demands Accountability for 81 Railway Wagons Sold as Scrap
The Parliament's Committee on Physical Infrastructure is questioning the Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) about the sale of 81 wagons for Shs3.7 billion as scrap. This inquiry is part of a broader investigation into URC's financial health and operational capabilities. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4538/sale-railway-wagons-scrap-raises-queries
Members of Parliament on the Committee on Physical Infrastructure have called on the Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) to provide a full account for 81 railway wagons that were reportedly sold off as scrap metal for Shs3.7 billion. The demand was made during an on-site inspection of URC’s headquarters in Kampala on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, led by Committee Chairperson Hon. Mwine Mpaka.
This inspection is a component of the committee’s wider probe into URC’s operations, asset management, expenditures, and procurement processes. The investigation is particularly timely as Parliament prepares to consider allocating resources aimed at revitalizing the corporation.
Hon. Mpaka expressed concern over the disposal of URC’s assets, noting that the committee had learned of the sale of the 81 wagons and an upcoming advertisement for the sale of additional wagons in Tanzania, information not previously disclosed to them. The committee seeks to ascertain the current state of URC’s assets and financial dealings before committing further public funds.
URC’s Managing Director, Benon Kajuna, informed the MPs that the corporation currently operates with only four mainline locomotives for cargo and five coaches for its Kampala-Mukono passenger service. He highlighted the urgent need for over Shs100 billion annually for five years to stabilize operations. URC is also working on procuring 10 new locomotives and 100 flat wagons with support from the African Development Bank, alongside plans to rehabilitate the Mombasa-Kampala railway line.
However, MPs questioned the proposed five-year timeline for significant service improvements. The manufacturing lead time for a new locomotive, Mr. Kajuna explained, is approximately 2.3 years. The committee also revisited past concerns regarding locomotives purchased during the 10th Parliament, which were reportedly ineffective on the metre-gauge railway. Mr. Kajuna attributed operational challenges to the locomotives’ design and ongoing construction works, while also pointing to a critical shortage of specialized railway personnel, including engineers, due to a long-standing suspension of training programs.
Source: Parliament of Uganda