UGANDAN President Yoweri Museveni has praised Kenyan President William Ruto’s decision to extend the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to the border town of Malaba. President Museveni emphasised that this extension will accelerate the connection between Malaba and Uganda’s capital city, Kampala.
During a televised address to the nation, President Museveni expressed his gratitude for the development, saying, ‘Government is expediting the construction of the SGR, starting the next financial year 2023/24, starting with Malaba to Kampala.’
The completion of the SGR in Uganda will establish vital rail links between Uganda and neighbouring countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan. This infrastructure project holds significant potential for enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating trade and economic growth.
President Museveni also highlighted ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the Tororo-Gulu Meter Gauge Railway and the Kampala-Malaba Meter Gauge Railway. These initiatives aim to improve existing railway networks and contribute to the overall development of Uganda’s transportation infrastructure.
The extension of the SGR to Malaba represents a major step towards enhancing transportation connectivity in the East African region. As Uganda progresses with its plans for the SGR, the country anticipates bolstering regional trade and fostering closer ties with neighbouring nations.