Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) has announced the temporary suspension of all commuter and passenger train services between Kampala and Mukono from April 6 to April 14, 2025. This decision comes after a track embankment failure at Namanve, a key section along the route.
In an official statement, URC explained that the track failure has disrupted the railway line’s functionality, necessitating an immediate halt to operations for safety reasons.
Technical teams have been deployed to the site and are working around the clock to restore the damaged infrastructure. “We are committed to ensuring that train services resume safely and efficiently by April 14, 2025,” the statement reads.
URC extended an apology to all affected passengers and the general public, urging patience during this period of disruption.
The Kampala–Mukono railway line is a crucial commuter corridor, serving thousands of passengers daily. It provides an affordable and faster alternative to the heavily congested Kampala–Jinja Highway, especially during rush hours when road traffic is at its worst.
The route is one of the most congested in Uganda, with traffic volumes peaking during morning and evening hours. Many commuters, especially those working in Kampala but residing in Mukono and nearby suburbs, heavily rely on both road and rail transport to navigate the 20-kilometer stretch.
In recent years, the train service has been revived as part of efforts to decongest the city’s roads. The railway has played a vital role in easing pressure on public transport by offering low fares and predictable schedules. It has become a lifeline for many workers and students who struggle with long travel times caused by road traffic jams.
The temporary suspension of train services is expected to strain alternative transport options, particularly minibuses (matatus) and boda-bodas, which will likely experience a surge in demand. Authorities have not yet announced any interim solutions to mitigate the disruption for affected commuters.
