Turkish Company Launches Key Railway Construction in Uganda

Currently, freight transit from the Port of Mombasa through Uganda to Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is about 650,000 metric tonnes per year. This volume is expected to increase significantly with the new railway, potentially growing by over 20-fold.

The Turkish company Yapı Merkezi has officially started construction on the much-anticipated Standard Gauge Railway in Uganda. This announcement was made by Godfrey Kabyanga, the Minister of State for Information and National Guidance.

The Standard Gauge Railway project was initially launched in 2013. According to Kabyanga, efforts are underway to address and compensate individuals who will be affected by the construction.

The Ugandan government has prioritized the security and transport sectors in its 2023/2024 budget. As part of this initiative, the government has acquired a 161-kilometer corridor for the railway, stretching between Tororo and Mayuge.

The discovery of significant oil reserves in the Bunyoro region of Western Uganda is expected to boost economic activity in both the Tororo-Pakwach and Kampala-Kasese rail corridors. In response, the government is accelerating its plans to begin commercial oil production.

The Standard Gauge Railway is expected to play a crucial role in Uganda’s economy. The country is rich in over 80 minerals, including iron ore, phosphates, and copper, which are difficult to exploit without efficient rail transport.

The new railway will also provide access to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s vast mineral deposits, including iron ore, aluminum, and copper. This will create a more efficient transit route to international markets in China, India, Europe, and the United States.

Currently, freight transit from the Port of Mombasa through Uganda to Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is about 650,000 metric tonnes per year. This volume is expected to increase significantly with the new railway, potentially growing by over 20-fold