Kampala. The long-envisioned Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Uganda and Tanzania has advanced following the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) formal inclusion of this cross-border initiative in its 2026 NEPAD Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility Priority Work Programme, the Ugandan publication Daily Monitor reported on February 25, 2026.
Daily Monitor cited a status report from the Ministry of Works regarding the Isaka–Lusahunga–Murongo/Kikagati–Mpondwe SGR project, indicating that this development represents a vital milestone in transitioning the railway from a mere concept into structured project preparation.
However, the Ministry of Works and Transport Permanent Secretary, Waiswa Bageya, who sits on the project’s Steering Committee, stated the Uganda–Tanzania SGR remains in an initial developmental phase, noting that the joint venture between both governments seeks to establish a rail link from Mwanza in Tanzania to the Ugandan border and beyond.
He explained that a memorandum of understanding has been signed with Tanzania to commence preliminary studies, which are currently underway with support from the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency and the AfDB.
The project is designed to connect northern Tanzania to Uganda and eventually eastern DR Congo, creating a strategic trade corridor from western Uganda and mineral-rich eastern DR Congo to the Port of Dar es Salaam.
This railway was conceived through the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency to extend the existing Dar es Salaam–Mwanza SGR line at Isaka into Uganda.
Momentum has built over the past two years, with Uganda, Tanzania, and DR Congo holding several meetings, culminating in a December 2025 Steering Committee session where transport permanent secretaries approved a memorandum of understanding to facilitate ministerial signing before the AfDB’s appraisal mission.
The AfDB has initiated an appraisal process, with a report expected early next year to examine feasibility studies and preliminary designs, which are essential for determining project costs, financial viability, environmental impacts, and debt sustainability.
Bageya mentioned that no overall cost estimates are available yet, as the focus remains on these preliminary studies, which the government is optimistic can be completed within approximately one year.
This project provides Uganda with an opportunity to diversify trade corridors and create a viable alternative to the Northern Corridor through Kenya’s Port of Mombasa.
It also offers prospects for stimulating industrial parks and logistics hubs in Mbarara, Kasese, and various border towns, whilst boosting cross-border trade through Mpondwe.
The status report notes, however, that although DR Congo participated in early discussions, it requested to formally join once the Uganda–Tanzania link materialises.
Its eventual connection is expected to transform the project from a bilateral infrastructure initiative into a regional economic spine linking three countries and some of Africa’s most resource-rich territories.
Preliminary surveys have identified multiple possible alignments on both the Tanzania and Uganda sides.
In Uganda, proposed routes would run through key western towns like Mbarara, Bihanga, and Kasese before terminating at Mpondwe, potentially stimulating property development, creating jobs, and expanding warehousing and customs infrastructure.
Whilst AfDB’s endorsement does not signal immediate construction, confirmation that the project meets eligibility and technical screening significantly enhances its credibility among investors and regional stakeholders.
Uganda’s SGR ambitions along the Northern Corridor have faced prolonged financing uncertainties, and the western corridor may prove commercially attractive due to its mineral potential and integration with Tanzania’s operational SGR network.
With ministerial signatures expected and the AfDB appraisal looming, the Uganda–Tanzania SGR has transitioned from vision to structured project development.
If feasibility studies confirm economic viability and financing is secured, the railway could reshape trade flows across East Africa and anchor western Uganda’s industrial growth.
For now, while not yet on the ground, the project is edging closer to becoming one of the region’s most consequential infrastructure undertakings.
