The Vice President of the African Development Bank Dr.Abdul Kamara, in charge of Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery has reaffirmed the Commitment of the African Development Bank to finance the construction of the 326km standard gauge railway (SGR) section in Uganda from Malaba to Kampala. The Bank’s Vice President made the pledge while meeting Uganda’s delegation led by the Temporary Governor, Mustapha Achidri- Assistant Commissioner at the Finance Ministry on the sidelines of the African Development Bank Annual meetings, 2026 in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
The African Development Bank Group Vice President said the SGR project is well aligned with the Bank’s cardinal priority of building resilient infrastructure on the African Continent. The Bank has already tentatively allocated UA 480 million (Approx USD 650 million),however the final project financing arrangements will be concluded during the next appraisal mission next month in June 2026, based on the approval of African Development Fund 17.
Dr.Kamara also pledged the support of AfDB to the tune of USD 1 million to Uganda as emergency response to the fight against Ebola.
In his remarks, Achidri welcomed the commitment of the AfDB to fund the SGR, adding that Government of Uganda is currently mobilising EUR 2.7 billion to finance the construction of the SGR,a key enabler under the Tenfold Growth Strategy.
He also thanked the Bank for the continuous support to Uganda. He made specific reference to the recently approved projects by the Bank’s Board including: Additional financing for the Uganda Rural Electrification Project 1 worth EUR 7.33 million and Uganda Rural Electrification Access Project Phase II worth EUR 101.23 million.
On behalf of Uganda,Achidri congratulated the President of AfDB Dr. Sidi Ould Tah upon his election to the helm of Africa’s beacon of hope and transformation. “The Government of Uganda pledges its support to your endeavours during your tenure,” said Achidri.
The meeting was also attended by Bhebhe Themba the Country Manager AfDB (Uganda), Yvette Glele-Ahanhanzo, Director, Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery and Maria, Antonia, Joy Kategekwa, Director, Regional Coordination Office.
