Uganda is advancing plans to link its new Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Tanzania’s rail network, creating an alternative export corridor to the port of Dar es Salaam, government documents show, a move that could significantly reshape the country’s trade logistics and boost exports of strategic commodities such as gold, copper and iron ore.
The proposal, revealed in a document from the Ugandan Ministry of Works and Transport, outlines intentions to extend the country’s railway from its border with Tanzania through the south and southwest, eventually reaching Mpondwe, a key border town with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Currently, Uganda primarily relies on Kenya’s Port of Mombasa for most of its exports, a corridor that has long dominated the logistics landscape. The new link to Tanzania would provide direct access to the Indian Ocean via Dar es Salaam, offering an alternative that could reduce transportation costs, shorten transit times and support demand from regional and international markets.
Strategic Export Link and Regional Trade
Officials argue the planned rail connection will help unlock Uganda’s mineral-rich regions, enabling more efficient export of gold, copper, iron ore and other commodities. According to the government document, the railway will first integrate with Tanzania’s SGR network before reaching Dar es Salaam, one of East Africa’s busiest maritime gateways.
“The main objective of the project is to connect the vast and mineral-rich regions of both countries to the port of Dar es Salaam while saving time and transportation costs,” the document states.
Linking the two nations’ rail systems aligns with broader regional infrastructure efforts aimed at strengthening East African trade integration under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Experts say such rail links could also bolster connectivity with neighbouring economies, including Rwanda, Burundi and parts of the DRC.
Financing and Next Steps
The African Development Bank (AfDB) is reportedly considering a request to fund preparatory activities for the railway, with financing contingent on feasibility studies and bankability assessments.
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An AfDB spokesperson said the bank “may consider financing the project, depending on the outcomes of the studies” if it proves sound.
Ugandan authorities are still finalising plans, and no formal construction timeline has been announced.
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However, officials say intergovernmental negotiations and feasibility assessments are underway, and that the project could attract public-private partnerships to support funding and implementation.
Broader Context
The announcement comes amid a surge in regional infrastructure investment, with countries across East Africa exploring rail links to improve logistics and reduce dependency on costly road transport.
Rail development experts say stronger rail corridors will help reduce freight costs and support economic diversification as global demand for minerals and agricultural products grows
