Dar es Salaam. The governments of Tanzania and Uganda have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation in the development of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
The agreement was signed during the Fifth Session of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), which concluded in Dar es Salaam on March 13, 2026.
The memorandum marks the start of closer collaboration on the proposed SGR section linking Isaka, Lusahunga and Murongo/Kikagati to Mpondwe in western Uganda.
The line is expected to form an important cross-border railway corridor between the two countries.
Officials said the project will facilitate faster and more efficient transport of goods and passengers.
It is also expected to support trade and economic growth across the East African Community region.
The SGR is part of a broader regional plan to modernise rail transport and strengthen connectivity among East African countries
Tanzania has already made significant progress in building its SGR network from the Port of Dar es Salaam to the inland city of Dodoma, and onward to Mwanza on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Several sections of the railway are already operational.
Passenger and freight services are currently running between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, while construction is continuing on other phases extending towards the Lake Zone and western regions.
The proposed Isaka–Lusahunga–Murongo/Kikagati line is expected to connect with Uganda’s planned SGR network.
This will create a continuous modern railway corridor linking the Tanzanian coast with inland markets in Uganda and potentially the wider Great Lakes region.
Through the project, the two countries aim to improve the cargo movement from the Port of Dar es Salaam to Uganda and neighbouring states.
Authorities say the railway will lower transport costs, shorten transit times and improve logistics efficiency.
Beyond the railway project, the two governments also agreed to strengthen cooperation in other areas. These include transport, trade, investment and infrastructure development.
Officials said the agreement reflects the long-standing diplomatic and economic relations between Tanzania and Uganda.
It also demonstrates a shared commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation and promote regional integration.
The meeting was attended by senior government leaders and officials from both countries.
