The African Development Bank (AfDB) has reaffirmed its commitment to financing the construction of Uganda’s 326-kilometre Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) section from Malaba to Kampala.
The pledge was made by AfDB Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery, Dr Abdul Kamara, during a meeting with Uganda’s delegation led by Temporary Governor and Assistant Commissioner at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Mustapha Achidri.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 2026 African Development Bank Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
Dr Kamara said the SGR project aligns with the Bank’s core priority of building resilient infrastructure across Africa to drive regional integration and economic transformation.
He revealed that the Bank has tentatively allocated Units of Account (UA) 480 million (approximately USD 650 million) toward the project.
However, final financing arrangements are expected to be concluded during the next appraisal mission scheduled for June 2026, subject to the approval of the 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF-17).
In addition to railway financing, Dr Kamara pledged AfDB’s support of USD 1 million to Uganda as an emergency response to bolster efforts in combating the Ebola outbreak.
Speaking during the meeting, Achidri welcomed AfDB’s commitment to fund the SGR project, noting that the Government of Uganda is currently mobilising EUR 2.7 billion to support the railway’s construction, a key infrastructure project under Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
He also expressed appreciation for the Bank’s continued support to Uganda, highlighting recently approved projects by the AfDB Board.
These include additional financing of EUR 7.33 million for the Uganda Rural Electrification Project I and EUR 101.23 million for the Uganda Rural Electrification Access Project Phase II.
On behalf of the Government of Uganda, Achidri congratulated the newly elected AfDB President, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, upon assuming leadership of the continental financial institution.
“The Government of Uganda pledges its support to your endeavours during your tenure,” Achidri said.
The meeting was also attended by AfDB Uganda Country Manager Bhebhe Themba, Director for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Yvette Glele-Ahanhanzo, and Director of the Regional Coordination Office, Maria Antonia Joy Kategekwa.
