National Unity Platform presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi pledged to restore Uganda’s defunct railway network if elected president, arguing that its revival is the critical step needed to drastically lower transport costs and stimulate economic growth.
The NUP leader said his government would prioritize the railway system because it is crucial for boosting trade and unlocking economic opportunities across the country.
Kyagulanyi, campaigning in Bunyangabu district Tuesday, decried Uganda’s overreliance on expensive road transport, which he said contributes significantly to the high cost of goods and hinders regional development.
“It is not impossible to work in Kampala and sleep in Fort Portal,” he told supporters, noting that in countries with modern rail systems, travel times have been substantially reduced.
His promise comes as the Ugandan government moves forward with a $2.9 billion project to build the Standard Gauge Railway. However, Kyagulanyi has often criticized the venture, alleging that billions of shillings have already been lost through corruption and mismanagement.
Speaking at Busiita Primary School playground, Kyagulanyi stressed that the collapse of the old railway system has forced businesses and farmers to depend on costly road transport, particularly for importing goods from the Kenyan port of Mombasa.
Experts say it costs about $1,800 to transport a container from Istanbul, Turkey, to Mombasa, a distance of more than 19,000 miles. Moving that same container the relatively short distance from Mombasa to Kampala costs more than $4,000.
“Our government will rebuild the railway so that traders, farmers and manufacturers can transport their goods safely, cheaply and efficiently,” Kyagulanyi said. He was accompanied by his wife, Barbie Itungo.
Other Pledges and Police Obstacles
Kyagulanyi also pledged to improve Uganda’s education system, which he described as declining. He criticized the government for budgeting based on “wrong priorities,” noting that funds were available to heavily facilitate security forces monitoring his rallies while teachers’ salaries were not enhanced following a strike earlier this year.
Later in the day, Kyagulanyi was scheduled to campaign in Fort Portal but failed to reach the venue after police blocked and diverted his convoy, citing disagreements over his campaign route. He had planned to address rallies in Kabarole, Bunyangabu and Fort Portal city Tuesday but only managed the rally in Bunyangabu. He is scheduled to campaign in Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa today.
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