The Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) has announced that preparations are in their final stages to reintroduce passenger train services between Kampala and Jinja, with the service expected to begin before the end of 2026.
According to URC, the Kampala–Jinja passenger service will initially operate as a weekend service, with trains departing Kampala on Fridays and returning on Sundays.
The corporation said the move follows calls from the public for the restoration of passenger rail services to Jinja and other areas.
“We have heard the calls, and as listening sector players, it is incumbent upon us to respond to the calls,” URC said in a statement.
The corporation emphasised that the service is not a long-term proposal, saying the first trips are planned for 2026 as preparations enter the final phase.
URC said the frequency of the Kampala–Jinja service will be increased after the corporation acquires additional rolling stock, a process it said is already ongoing.
The long-term target is to operate a daily scheduled passenger train crossing the Nile between Kampala and Jinja.
The corporation also listed preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) among its next priorities, as well as clearing encroachment on URC land.
“Clearance of ALL ENCROACHMENT on URC land. We heard the calls, it is time to clear the reserve completely,” the corporation said.
The planned passenger service will restore a rail connection between Kampala and Jinja, two of Uganda’s major urban centres, while increasing the use of the country’s railway infrastructure for passenger transport.