Politics 14 October 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Works Minister Pushes for Railway Encroacher Evictions Amidst MP Concerns
Despite concerns raised by Members of Parliament regarding land titles and varying reserve corridor measurements, the Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, is insisting on the eviction of individuals encroaching on Uganda's railway reserves to facilitate rehabilitation programs. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4666/works-ministers-insists-evictions-railway-line-encroachers-despite-concerns-mps
Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, has reaffirmed his directive for the eviction of encroachers and demolition of illegal structures along Uganda’s railway lines. This decision comes in response to significant encroachments that are hindering the Meter Gauge Railway rehabilitation programs. According to the National Physical Planning Act, a 60-meter reserve corridor is mandated, with activities restricted to 30 meters outside the railway center line on either side.
Minister Byamukama informed the House that out of 20,807 acres managed by the Uganda Railways Corporation (URC), 9,823 acres constitute reserve land. He highlighted that approximately 28,486 encroachment cases have been identified across railway corridors and station lands, with the Busoga loop being particularly affected. Some encroachers claim to have received allocations from State House, but the URC has yet to see any documentation to support these assertions.
The URC is actively pursuing measures to reclaim the encroached land, including surveying, title protection, and legal action. The corporation is also preparing eviction schedules, sensitizing stakeholders, engaging with affected communities, and coordinating with enforcement agencies.
However, MPs like Hon. Hussein Muyonjo (NUP, Jinja North Division) have raised questions about the validity of the 60-meter reserve corridor. He recalled a previous meeting with the former Works Minister where a 30-meter corridor (15 meters on each side) was discussed, and questioned when the new survey was conducted and if communities were consulted.
Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth has referred these discrepancies and concerns to the Committee on Physical Infrastructure. The committee is tasked with investigating the contradictory information regarding the reserve corridor size and engaging with locals along the Busoga loop railway line. They have been given 30 days to complete their investigation.
Source: Parliament of Uganda