Uganda to launch nationwide road and rail overhaul in 2026

Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport unveils a major 2026 infrastructure plan featuring road rehabilitations, railway upgrades, and water transport projects.

KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ministry of Works and Transport has unveiled a massive infrastructure plan for 2026, targeting the rehabilitation of roads, bridges, railways and water transport systems to bolster regional trade.

Gen. Katumba Wamala, minister of works and transport, said the investments align with national development priorities rather than ad hoc requests.

“We prioritise roads strategically, based on economic impact and development needs,” Wamala said.

Road Infrastructure and Maintenance

The 2026 pipeline includes major works in the West Nile, Acholi, Lango and Karamoja sub-regions. Key projects include the 103-kilometer Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo road and the Laropi bridge in Adjumani. Central and western Uganda will also see significant activity, with the Busega-Mpigi and Mityana-Mubende roads slated for work.

Wamala acknowledged that a previous focus on new construction led to the neglect of existing networks. He emphasized that roads now require inspections every three to five years to extend their lifespan. To combat urban congestion, the government is moving forward with the Kampala-Jinja Expressway and the second phase of the Kampala flyover.

Railway and Water Transport

The Uganda Railways Corporation is continuing its push to move bulky cargo off the roads and onto tracks. Rehabilitation of the Tororo-Gulu line is expected to finish by the end of this month, with annual freight volumes projected to jump from 25,000 to 120,000 tonnes.

URC Managing Director Benon Kajuna said the installation of concrete sleepers between Kampala and Mukono will improve stability and deter vandalism.

“Concrete sleepers reduce vandalism, improve track stability, reduce derailments, and allow trains to operate at higher and safer speeds,” Kajuna said.

The railway sector’s comeback is supported by a $298 million project funded by the African Development Bank. Additionally, URC has launched a five-year strategic plan through 2030, which proposes a railway development levy to ensure sustainable funding.

On the water, the government plans to rehabilitate the Jinja and Port Bell piers to support vessels like the MV Pamba on Lake Victoria.

Safety and Regulation

Beyond physical construction, Wamala said the ministry is tightening regulations on road safety. Plans include standardized driver training and computer-based testing to reduce corruption and ensure only qualified drivers and safe vehicles are on the road.