Uganda Set to Advance Rail Reform with National Policy and Railway Master Plan
Uganda has initiated a parallel process to develop a National Railway Transport Policy and a comprehensive Railway Transport Master Plan, marking a coordinated step in strengthening the country’s long-term rail reform and infrastructure strategy.
Both initiatives are being undertaken with support from the African Development Fund under the EAC Railway Rehabilitation Support Project, which includes the refurbishment of the Kampala–Malaba metre gauge railway line.
National Railway Transport Policy
The proposed National Railway Transport Policy is intended to establish a structured framework to guide the revitalisation, regulation and sustainable development of Uganda’s railway sub-sector.
The process will include an assessment of the current railway network, institutional and regulatory arrangements, operational performance and investment requirements. The objective is to position rail as a safe, efficient and cost-effective transport mode capable of supporting seamless movement of goods and passengers within Uganda and across the Greater East African region.
The policy framework is expected to align with Uganda Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan, reinforcing rail’s role in enhancing national competitiveness, regional trade and modal shift from road to rail.
The assignment is scheduled to be implemented over a 13-month period.
Railway Transport Master Plan
In parallel, URC is progressing the preparation of a Railway Transport Master Plan that will provide a long-term infrastructure and investment roadmap for the railway sub-sector through to 2040.
The Master Plan is expected to define a comprehensive development strategy, including multimodal integration and structured environmental considerations. It will incorporate strategic environmental assessment elements aimed at strengthening climate resilience and sustainability in future rail investments.
The planning exercise is intended to provide guidance on infrastructure development priorities, investment sequencing and integration with Uganda’s wider transport system.
The Master Plan assignment is expected to extend over a period of up to 18 months.
Coordinated Reform Framework
Together, the two initiatives reflect a layered reform approach:
- The National Railway Transport Policy will define the strategic and regulatory direction of the sector.
- The Railway Transport Master Plan will translate that direction into a long-term infrastructure and investment blueprint.
By aligning policy reform with structured planning, URC is advancing efforts to reposition rail as a backbone of Uganda’s transport system.
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