Uganda is poised for a major leap in urban mobility as Egyptian construction giant Orascom Construction explores plans to develop modern rail systems in Kampala.
The initiative aims to substantially ease the city’s notorious traffic congestion, reduce fuel wastage, and curb environmental pollution caused by long hours of vehicle idling.
This follows talks between Orascom executives and Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Cairo on Monday.
Orascom’s proposals include an integrated transport solution featuring light rail, elevated monorail, and underground metro lines—innovative systems already deployed successfully across various cities in Africa and the Middle East.
With over 500,000 registered vehicles growing at more than 10% annually, Kampala’s roads are overwhelmed, costing the economy an estimated UGX 2.8 trillion (approx. USD 750 million) annually in lost productivity, wasted fuel, and health impacts, according to the Uganda National Roads Authority.
President Museveni warmly welcomed the Orascom delegation, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable transport solutions. “We are losing a lot of money in fuel in traffic without moving and poisoning the environment. The impact is not good, damaging the roads,” he said, inviting the company to further discussions in Uganda.
Orascom Construction, a leading African infrastructure firm renowned for landmark transport projects including Cairo’s metro system and various regional railway networks, would be bringing one of Uganda’s most ambitious urban transport upgrades to life. The project is expected to transform Kampala’s mobility landscape and support economic growth by improving the flow of people and goods.
The President’s trip to Cairo also opened avenues for expanded collaboration beyond transport. Hon. Moustafa El Gendy, Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament, proposed a long-term travel insurance system for Ugandans, modeled after Egypt’s decade-long coverage schemes for accidents, sickness, and repatriation.
In education, Prof. Dr. Ashraf Mansour, the founder of the German University in Cairo, suggested establishing a regional public university to serve Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
President Museveni expressed strong interest in the idea, calling for further study to harness educational synergies.
Agriculture and industrial development also featured prominently. Mohamed Mohamed Khalil El-Tahan, Chairman of El-Tahan International Food Industries, revealed plans to expand cheese production in Mbarara with new product lines for export to the Middle East, Europe, and the USA.
President Museveni pledged support, offering land near Mbarara for the project and expressed openness about locating a proposed agricultural and industrial city, possibly outside Jinja.
The three-day working state visit, hosted by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, aims to deepen bilateral ties and economic cooperation between Uganda and Egypt, laying the foundation for transformative infrastructure and sectoral partnerships.
