Uganda has unveiled one of its most ambitious infrastructure programmes in recent history, committing Shs8.79 trillion to transport development as government seeks to remove logistical bottlenecks that have long constrained economic growth and competitiveness.
The infrastructure push, outlined in the 2026/27 national budget, places significant emphasis on roads, railways, airports, water transport and the expansion of Uganda Airlines.
At the centre of the strategy is the long-awaited Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), whose construction from Malaba to Kampala has finally commenced.
The 273-kilometre railway line is expected to transform cargo transportation between Uganda and the Kenyan coast.
Government estimates that the cost of transporting a container from Mombasa to Kampala will fall from approximately USD3,500 to about USD1,600 once the railway becomes operational.
Transit time is expected to reduce from five days to just one day.
For decades, Uganda’s business community has complained about high transport costs that undermine competitiveness.
The SGR is expected to significantly improve the movement of goods while enhancing regional integration.
The project is also viewed as a critical component of the East African transport corridor linking Uganda to international markets.
Alongside the SGR, rehabilitation of the Tororo-Gulu Meter Gauge Railway has reached 66 percent completion while the Kampala-Mukono section is already complete.
Road infrastructure remains another major priority.
Government reported ongoing construction of 24 major roads totaling more than 1,150 kilometres and rehabilitation of nearly 950 kilometres of national roads.
Maintenance efforts have also intensified, covering thousands of kilometres of paved and unpaved roads across the country.
The Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area has emerged as a major focus of infrastructure investment.
Government aims to upgrade more than 600 kilometres of roads within the metropolitan region over the next five years.
So far, nearly 300 kilometres have already been paved.
Several major junctions have also been signalized to improve traffic flow and road safety.
Authorities believe improved urban infrastructure will reduce congestion, enhance productivity and improve the overall attractiveness of Kampala as a business destination.
Water transport is receiving renewed attention.
Government has maintained and operated 15 ferries while expanding connectivity for island communities.
The Buyende-Kagwara-Kaberamaido ferry has commenced operations, while two additional ferries for Lake Bunyonyi are under construction.
Preliminary works at Bukasa Inland Port are nearing completion, paving the way for actual construction.
The port is expected to become a major logistics hub supporting trade within the East African region.
Aviation infrastructure is also undergoing significant transformation.
Kabalega International Airport, constructed primarily to support oil and gas operations in the Albertine region, has completed its physical works.
Government is now finalizing operational requirements ahead of first oil production and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Meanwhile, construction of Kidepo International Airport is underway, targeting tourism growth in Karamoja.
Entebbe International Airport has also undergone major expansion.
A new passenger terminal and expanded cargo facilities have increased annual passenger handling capacity from two million to 3.5 million travellers.
Regional aerodromes are being upgraded to strengthen connectivity and support tourism development.
Perhaps one of the most ambitious aspects of the infrastructure programme is the expansion of Uganda Airlines.
Government plans to acquire eight additional passenger aircraft as part of efforts to strengthen the national carrier.
Officials believe Uganda Airlines can play a critical role in supporting trade, tourism, investment and diaspora engagement.
Beyond transport, government continues to invest heavily in electricity infrastructure.
Installed generation capacity now stands at 2,098 megawatts, with long-term plans targeting over 52,000 megawatts.
Major transmission lines and substations are being developed across the country, while rural electrification efforts continue expanding access.
Government also plans to commence construction of the 380-megawatt Kiba Hydropower Project and develop utility-scale solar power plants in Elgon and Acholi.
Preparatory work for Uganda’s future nuclear energy programme is also underway.
Officials argue that infrastructure investments are essential for achieving the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
Reliable transport networks reduce business costs, improve market access and stimulate investment.
Electricity expansion supports industrialization while improved logistics strengthen export competitiveness.
However, financing such massive infrastructure investments remains a challenge.
Public debt has risen substantially over the past decade, partly due to infrastructure borrowing.
Government insists the investments are strategic and will generate long-term economic returns.
Whether the infrastructure programme delivers the expected economic transformation will depend on project execution, maintenance and the ability to attract private investment.
For now, the scale of spending signals government’s determination to use infrastructure as a catalyst for Uganda’s next phase of economic growth.
