By Tumwine Byaruhanga
The African Development Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to finance the construction of Uganda’s 326-kilometre Standard Gauge Railway section from Malaba to Kampala.
The commitment was made by Dr. Abdul Kamara, the Bank’s Vice President in charge of Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery, during a meeting with Uganda’s delegation on the sidelines of the 2026 African Development Bank Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
Uganda’s delegation was led by Temporary Governor Mustapha Achidri, who also serves as Assistant Commissioner in the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Dr. Kamara said the SGR project fits within the Bank’s key priority of building resilient infrastructure across the African continent.
The Bank has already tentatively allocated UA 480 million, approximately USD 650 million, towards the project. Final financing arrangements are expected to be concluded during the next appraisal mission in June 2026, subject to approval under the African Development Fund 17.
The Malaba to Kampala railway section is a key part of Uganda’s infrastructure plan and is expected to support regional trade, cut transport costs and improve cargo movement along the Northern Corridor.
Dr. Kamara also pledged USD 1 million in emergency support to Uganda’s Ebola response.
In his remarks, Achidri welcomed the Bank’s commitment to fund the SGR project, noting that the Government of Uganda is currently mobilising EUR 2.7 billion for its construction.
He said the railway is a major enabler under Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, which seeks to expand the economy through investment in infrastructure, production and trade.
Achidri also thanked the African Development Bank for its continued support to Uganda, citing recently approved projects by the Bank’s Board. These include additional financing of EUR 7.33 million for the Uganda Rural Electrification Project 1 and EUR 101.23 million for the Uganda Rural Electrification Access Project Phase II.
On behalf of Uganda, Achidri congratulated Dr. Sidi Ould Tah upon his election as President of the African Development Bank.
“The Government of Uganda pledges its support to your endeavours during your tenure,” Achidri said.
The meeting was also attended by Bhebhe Themba, the African Development Bank Country Manager for Uganda; Yvette Glele-Ahanhanzo, Director for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery; and Maria Antonia Joy Kategekwa, Director of the Regional Coordination Office.
