In a significant move to modernize Uganda’s transport system, the Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) Board and management recently held a high-level strategic meeting with the European Union (EU) Delegation to Uganda.

The gathering, held at the EU Delegation offices in Kampala, aimed to chart a course for enhanced collaboration in technical preparation, operational planning, and the implementation of railway development programs anchored in sustainability.

Central to these discussions was the EU Global Gateway Programme, the EU’s flagship strategy to boost smart, clean, and secure infrastructure links around the world.

In Africa, the Global Gateway Programme aims to close the global investment gap and support sustainable development, with transport infrastructure serving as a critical pillar for economic integration and trade.

The URC delegation, led by Board Chairman Hon. Daudi Migereko and including Board Directors Eng. Benjamin Olobo and Ms. Faridah Mayanja Mpiima, engaged with His Excellency Ambassador Jan Sadek, Head of the EU Delegation, to explore specific synergies between Uganda’s rail ambitions and the Global Gateway’s objectives.

Ambassador Sadek provided a comprehensive overview of the programme, explicitly identifying the railway sector as a strategic priority within the Global Gateway’s architecture for Africa.

He emphasized that the initiative is designed to move beyond traditional infrastructure projects by prioritizing robust planning strategies for both passenger and cargo services, alongside innovative financing mechanisms to marshal resources for large-scale implementation.

"The Global Gateway represents a paradigm shift in how we approach infrastructure; it is about building resilient, low-carbon transport systems that connect communities and boost trade for future generations," said Ambassador Sadek.

The discussions highlighted the EU’s enduring partnership with Uganda, which spans over five decades. Hon. Daudi Migereko acknowledged the Union's support, noting critical milestones achieved through various interventions that align with the broader scope of Global Gateway development goals.

Key successes cited include the rehabilitation of the Tororo–Gulu Railway Line, the construction of the Gulu Logistics Hub, and technical capacity-building programs. Other notable EU-supported projects include feasibility studies for the expansion of railway passenger services in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, the Uganda Meter Gauge Passenger Rail study, and the modernization of Portbell.

Looking forward, the meeting identified actionable priorities to guide the partnership under the Global Gateway framework. These include institutional strengthening to build world-class rail delivery capacity, accelerating the transition from technical planning to actual execution, and improving the stewardship of railway assets.

A significant focus was placed on green infrastructure integration, ensuring sustainability remains at the core of future developments. The parties discussed developing a diversified financing ecosystem utilizing grants, blended finance, a key feature of the Global Gateway strategy—and private sector participation to ensure long-term viability.

"This meeting reinforces URC’s commitment to building an efficient, faster, and impactful railway network in Uganda. The EU’s support has been transformative over the last 50 years, and together we are laying the tracks for an even bolder future," Hon. Migereko stated.

The engagement concluded with a mutual agreement to continue structured follow-up meetings to operationalize the identified priorities, signaling a renewed momentum in Uganda’s railway transformation journey through the lens of the EU Global Gateway Programme.