Yoweri Museveni
Homme politique

Ougandais

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Kenya’s President William Ruto today jointly launched the construction of the Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Extension, a landmark infrastructure project aimed at boosting regional trade and economic integration across East Africa.

The launch took place in Kisumu, Kenya, following President Museveni’s arrival where he was received by senior Kenyan government officials and accorded a guard of honour. The two leaders later held bilateral talks focused on strengthening trade relations, infrastructure development, and regional cooperation.

Speaking at the event, President Museveni emphasized the importance of modernizing the region’s transport systems. He highlighted Uganda’s long-term strategy to shift heavy cargo from roads to railways, petroleum products to pipelines, and reserve roads mainly for passengers and light goods. He noted that the current over-reliance on road transport is inefficient, costly, and limits economic competitiveness.

President Museveni also warned that Africa must address key cost drivers such as expensive transport, high electricity costs, and costly financing to remain competitive globally.

President William Ruto praised President Museveni for his continued advocacy for regional integration and unity. He noted that the SGR extension from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba will significantly enhance connectivity, unlock economic potential, and strengthen trade across the region.

The multi-billion-dollar project is expected to improve the Northern Corridor by reducing transport time and lowering freight costs. Currently, cargo movement from Mombasa to Kampala can take over 100 hours, a delay that leaders say undermines trade efficiency and competitiveness.

The railway will connect key economic hubs including Mombasa, Nairobi, Naivasha, Kisumu, and Malaba, with future extension to Kampala. It is also expected to benefit landlocked countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Leaders expressed optimism that the project will accelerate economic growth, improve logistics, and strengthen cooperation across the East African region.

President Yoweri Museveni made a brief stop after a leaders’ meeting at the Masaka State Lodge to visit his longtime friend and former neighbour, Hajjati Bitamisi Namuddu, who is now 95 years old. The President expressed joy at seeing the elderly matriarch together with her family, noting that visiting elders and receiving their blessings remains an important tradition.

H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has arrived in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, to participate in the 25th Ordinary Summit of the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State.

The summit is being held under the theme: “Deepening Integration for Improved Livelihoods of EAC Citizens.”

The meeting will bring together regional leaders to deliberate on strengthening economic cooperation, enhancing regional integration, and advancing initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of citizens across the East African Community.

Upon arrival in Arusha, President Museveni was received by a delegation of Tanzanian and Ugandan officials led by Hon. Patrobas Katambi, Tanzania’s Minister of Home Affairs, and Hon. Dennis Londo, Tanzania’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade.

Other officials present at the reception included:

- Dr. Samwel Shelukindo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Tanzania)
- Amb. Mindi Kasiga
- Robert Mbwasi, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Trade (Tanzania)
- Hon. John Mulimba, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs
- Amb. Fred Mwesigye, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania
- Amb. Anne Katusiime, Head of the Uganda Consulate in Arusha
- Brig. Ronald Bigirwa, UPDF Defence Advisor

The summit is expected to review progress on key regional integration pillars including trade, infrastructure development, and economic transformation, while also addressing emerging regional priorities aimed at fostering sustainable development and prosperity for the people of East Africa.

President Museveni’s participation underscores Uganda’s continued commitment to the goals of the East African Community and the strengthening of regional cooperation.