Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) has started transporting cement for Hima Cement Limited from Tororo to Namanve, with plans to move up to 30,000 tonnes of cement monthly once operations reach full capacity.
The first consignment comprises 15 railway wagons carrying 540 tonnes of cement, marking the start of a domestic freight arrangement between the two companies.
According to URC, transporting the initial consignment by road would require 18 heavy-duty trucks, each carrying 30 tonnes.
At the planned monthly volume of 30,000 tonnes, the railway operator estimates that the service could eliminate approximately 1,000 truck trips from Uganda’s roads every month.
URC says the shift to rail will help reduce traffic congestion, particularly along busy highways used by heavy commercial vehicles.
The corporation also expects the service to reduce road damage caused by heavy trucks and lower the risks of cargo theft, damage and accidents during transportation.
Scheduled railway services are expected to provide Hima Cement with more predictable delivery times for bulk cargo between its Tororo facility and Namanve.
The arrangement is part of URC’s efforts to expand domestic freight operations and encourage manufacturers to use rail transport for moving large volumes of goods.
URC says it is engaging other manufacturers to shift their cargo from road to rail along its network.
The corporation expects increased freight volumes to support the government’s efforts to reduce pressure on the road network while improving cargo transportation within Uganda.
