Uganda and Tanzania have taken an important step toward strengthening regional connectivity by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 13 March 2026 to develop a cross-border railway linking western Uganda with Tanzania’s expanding Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network and the Port of Dar es Salaam. While the agreement marks significant progress in East Africa’s transport ambitions, officials have yet to announce passenger operations, station locations, ticketing systems or an opening timeline.
At present, the project remains focused on developing a strategic freight corridor connecting Dar es Salaam, Isaka, Kasese and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) frontier. However, tourism and transport stakeholders believe the planning stage offers a critical opportunity to ensure passenger needs are integrated before freight infrastructure defines the railway’s long-term future.
By incorporating tourism access, accessible stations, border-health facilities and community development into the railway’s design, Uganda and Tanzania have the potential to create a transport corridor that supports both economic growth and sustainable travel.
A New Chapter in East African Rail Cooperation
The agreement signed between Uganda and Tanzania represents another milestone in regional infrastructure development.
The proposed railway would connect western Uganda to Tanzania’s modern Standard Gauge Railway network, providing improved access to the Port of Dar es Salaam, one of East Africa’s busiest maritime gateways.
The project is expected to strengthen:
- Regional trade.
- Freight transportation.
- Supply chain efficiency.
- Cross-border economic integration.
At this stage, however, authorities have not released details regarding passenger rail services, leaving many tourism and mobility questions unanswered.
Passenger Services Have Yet to Be Defined
Although the railway has generated significant interest, there is currently no confirmed passenger opening date.
Authorities have also not announced:
- Passenger train schedules.
- Station locations.
- Fare structures.
- Through-ticketing systems.
- Cross-border immigration procedures.
- Tourism transfer services.
This means the railway remains a long-term infrastructure vision rather than an immediately available travel option.
For travellers planning visits to western Uganda or northern Tanzania, existing road and air transport remain the primary means of access.
Opportunity to Strengthen Rwenzori Tourism
One of the most significant opportunities lies in improving access to the Rwenzori Mountains, one of Africa’s most spectacular mountain destinations.
Kasese serves as the principal gateway to:
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
- Hiking expeditions.
- Mount Stanley.
- Community tourism initiatives.
- Wildlife experiences in western Uganda.
If passenger facilities are incorporated into the railway from the outset, future visitors could enjoy more convenient access to these internationally recognised attractions.
Improved transport connections may also encourage longer visitor stays while supporting tourism businesses throughout the region.
Building Accessible and Inclusive Rail Infrastructure
Transport experts have highlighted the importance of designing stations that serve both freight and passenger needs.
Future planning could include:
- Step-free station access.
- Facilities for travellers with reduced mobility.
- Integrated bus and taxi connections.
- Tourist information centres.
- Secure waiting areas.
- Clear multilingual signage.
Incorporating these features during the design phase is often more cost-effective than retrofitting infrastructure after construction has been completed.
Passenger-focused planning would also improve the railway’s long-term value for local communities.
Border Health and Cross-Border Coordination
Another priority identified by stakeholders is the integration of border-health and immigration facilities.
Efficient passenger movement will require coordinated systems for:
- Immigration clearance.
- Customs procedures.
- Health screening where required.
- Security checks.
- Cross-border passenger information.
Early planning in these areas could significantly reduce delays while supporting safe and efficient international travel between Uganda and Tanzania.
Benefits for Local Communities
Beyond transportation, the railway has the potential to generate important economic opportunities.
If developed with inclusive planning, the corridor could support:
- Tourism employment.
- Local businesses.
- Agricultural supply chains.
- Hospitality investment.
- Community enterprises.
- Small-scale tourism operators.
Ensuring local participation in future railway development may help maximise economic benefits for communities along the route rather than concentrating growth solely around freight logistics.
Freight and Tourism Can Grow Together
The railway’s primary objective is to improve freight movement between Uganda, Tanzania and the eastern DRC.
Enhanced freight capacity is expected to strengthen regional trade while improving access to international shipping through Dar es Salaam.
However, freight infrastructure does not need to exclude passenger services.
Many successful railway systems worldwide combine:
- Efficient freight operations.
- Reliable passenger services.
- Tourism-focused stations.
- Regional economic development.
Planning both functions together from the beginning creates greater long-term flexibility while supporting broader national development goals.
Supporting East African Regional Integration
The proposed railway aligns with wider regional efforts to improve transport connectivity across East Africa.
Better rail links can contribute to:
- Easier regional travel.
- Increased tourism.
- Cross-border commerce.
- Infrastructure resilience.
- Economic cooperation.
By connecting Uganda with Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway network, the project could become an important component of future East African transportation.
Its long-term success, however, will depend on balancing freight efficiency with passenger accessibility and community needs.
Practical Travel Information
Proposed Route
Dar es Salaam → Isaka → Western Uganda (Kasese) → Democratic Republic of the Congo frontier
Current Status
- Memorandum of Understanding signed on 13 March 2026.
- Passenger services have not yet been announced.
- No confirmed opening date or timetable.
Key Tourism Gateway
- Kasese
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Major Transport Hub
- Port of Dar es Salaam
Nearest Airports
Uganda
- Kasese Airport (KSE)
- Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
Tanzania
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
Currency
- Uganda: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
- Tanzania: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Key Stats
- Uganda and Tanzania signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 13 March 2026 to develop a cross-border railway linking western Uganda with Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway.
- The proposed corridor would improve connections to the Port of Dar es Salaam and the Democratic Republic of the Congo frontier.
- Authorities have not yet announced passenger services, station locations, fares or operating schedules.
- Tourism stakeholders are encouraging passenger-focused planning alongside freight development to support destinations such as the Rwenzori Mountains.
FAQ
Has the Uganda–Tanzania railway opened for passengers?
No. The project is currently in the planning stage, and no passenger opening date, timetable or ticketing system has been announced.
Why is Kasese important?
Kasese serves as the main gateway to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, making it a key destination for mountain tourism and outdoor adventures in western Uganda.
What are tourism stakeholders requesting?
Industry representatives are encouraging governments to include passenger facilities, accessible stations, tourism connections, border-health services and local economic benefits in the railway’s design from the outset.
Timeline and Events
- 13 March 2026 – Uganda and Tanzania sign a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a cross-border railway connecting western Uganda with Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway network.
- Planning Phase – Technical studies and infrastructure planning continue, with freight remaining the primary focus while passenger details are yet to be announced.
- Future Development – Governments are expected to determine station locations, operational models and potential passenger services as the project progresses.
- Long-Term Vision – The corridor aims to strengthen regional trade while creating opportunities for tourism, cross-border mobility and economic integration across East Africa.
Conclusion
Uganda and Tanzania’s agreement to develop a cross-border railway marks an important step toward strengthening regional connectivity and expanding East Africa’s transport network. While the immediate priority remains freight movement between the Port of Dar es Salaam, western Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo frontier, the planning stage presents a valuable opportunity to shape a railway that also serves passengers, tourism and local communities. By incorporating accessible stations, efficient border procedures, seamless transfers to Kasese and the Rwenzori Mountains, and inclusive economic opportunities into the project’s design, both countries can create a transport corridor that delivers benefits far beyond freight logistics. Although passenger operations remain unconfirmed, thoughtful planning today could ensure the railway evolves into a catalyst for sustainable tourism, regional integration and long-term economic growth across East Africa.
