transport 3 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Railways Corporation Expands Passenger Services with New Routes
The Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) is set to broaden its passenger train services by introducing new routes connecting Kampala to Kyengera and Port Bell, alongside plans for an eastern corridor service to Jinja. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/new-train-routes-approved-as-urc-expands-passenger-services-5581954
The Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) is significantly expanding its passenger rail network, with plans to introduce new routes connecting the capital, Kampala, to Kyengera and Port Bell. These developments are part of a broader strategy to enhance commuter transport options within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area and beyond.
The immediate focus is on extending services to Kyengera on Masaka Road and establishing a connection to Port Bell. Procurement for these projects is underway, with construction anticipated to take approximately 24 months upon contract signing. The Kyengera expansion will feature passenger hubs designed for commuters to park their vehicles before boarding trains into the city.
Beyond metropolitan areas, URC is also preparing to launch a passenger service on the eastern corridor, connecting Kampala and Jinja. This service is initially planned for weekends, with the potential for daily operations if demand and resources permit. This move aims to cater to leisure travelers and those seeking weekend getaways.
Longer-term ambitions include extending services to Bujuuko and Entebbe, and potentially rehabilitating the Tororo-Soroti-Gulu corridor. These initiatives are supported by international partners such as the African Development Bank and the European Union, contributing to the modernization of infrastructure and rolling stock.
The expansion of services comes at a time when road congestion in Kampala has worsened, partly due to a government crackdown on unroadworthy taxis. This has led some commuters to explore alternative transport methods, with URC noting potential increased interest in rail travel.
URC has also recently enhanced existing services on the Kampala-Namanve-Mukono route, introducing additional daytime and evening trips. A new executive coach with a fixed seating policy has also been added to improve passenger comfort. The corporation is working to increase its fleet of passenger coaches to support the expanded services and upcoming events like the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 2027.