Members of Parliament are urging the country to transition from a meter gauge railway to a standard gauge system. They believe this shift will help reduce expenses and prevent resource wastage associated with implementing both gauges separately. During their visit to the Kampala – Mukono railway line and inspection of the Kawolo Concrete sleeper factory and Namanve work site, the Parliament Committee on National Economy expressed concerns about the costly approach of rehabilitating the two projects independently.
The officials from Uganda Railway Corporation (URC) clarified that both gauges are essential, reassuring the MPs. However, the MPs contended that poor planning led to this situation, suggesting that simultaneous implementation of both gauges would have been more cost-effective. The MPs believe that with the meter gauge railway in place, the country can tackle transportation challenges while awaiting the future development of the standard gauge railway.
While neighboring countries like Kenya and Tanzania have made progress in constructing their respective Standard Gauge Railways, Uganda’s project has faced delays due to funding issues. Despite the setbacks, the Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary, Ramathan Ggoobi, affirmed the government’s readiness to start the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway in the upcoming financial year.