Commissioning of the Kampala – Mukono Concrete Sleeper Line

H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda presided over the commissioning of Uganda’s first fully concrete sleeper railway line on 21 December 2024 in Mukono, marking a significant milestone in the revitalisation of the country’s rail transport system.

The newly commissioned railway line, constructed with locally manufactured concrete sleepers at Kawolo, underscores the government’s commitment to modernising Uganda’s railway infrastructure to support economic growth and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.

In his address, President Museveni lauded the Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) and Imathia Construction for delivering the project within the timeline and budget. He emphasised the strategic importance of rail transport in facilitating trade, reducing road congestion, and enhancing Uganda’s connectivity with regional and international markets.

This railway line isn’t just infrastructure, it is a lifeline for our economy and a catalyst for transformation,” the President stated. “I commend the teams involved for their dedication to this achievement. Together, we are building a stronger Uganda.”
The project was completed within 25 months at a cost of $20 million, with 95% of the workforce comprising Ugandans. This local participation has not only created jobs but also transferred critical skills to the Ugandan workforce.

The Chairman Board of Directors, Al-Hajji Abdallatiff Dhakaba Wangubo, expressed profound gratitude to the President for his unwavering support in revitalising Uganda’s rail transport. He highlighted the critical role of Imathia Construction in establishing the concrete sleeper manufacturing plant at Kawolo, which has provided high-quality materials for the new line.

“This railway line is a testament to what we can achieve through innovation and collaboration,” said Wangubo. “We are now poised to expand this network and enhance our services to Ugandans.”

He noted that over 220,000 passengers have used the Kampala-Mukono commuter train service since June 2024, and plans are underway to rehabilitate routes to Namanve, Kyengera, and Port Bell. Additionally, the African Development Bank has provided funding to revitalise key railway corridors, procure modern locomotives, and improve cargo handling facilities.

Julián García Valverde, Chairman, Imathia Construction, expressed pride in the timely delivery of the project and underscored the transformative impact of the railway on Uganda’s transport sector.

“We are honoured to have contributed to this historic achievement. The concrete sleeper technology ensures durability and safety, setting a new standard for rail infrastructure in Uganda,” he said.

Valverde also called on the government to extend the use of concrete sleepers across the entire meter-gauge network to further modernise Uganda’s rail system.

On his part, Hon. Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala the Minister of Works and Transport, hailed the new railway line as a game-changer for Uganda’s transport sector. He highlighted the line’s improved speed capacity of 120km, and efficiency compared to older systems, allowing for faster passenger commutes and heavier cargo loads.

The commissioning of the concrete sleeper railway line signals a new chapter in Uganda’s transport history. With enhanced infrastructure, the railway system is poised to play a pivotal role in achieving the government’s vision of “prosperity for all” by supporting trade, reducing transport costs, and improving livelihoods.

As the train made its inaugural journey along the newly constructed line, passengers celebrated a shared vision of progress, innovation, and resilience, a vision that promises to transform Uganda’s railway system into a cornerstone of national development.

URC management team was led by the Managing Director, CPA Musoke David Bulega.