The Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Tuesday met with a delegation from Yapı Merkezi, a prominent Turkish construction company selected to undertake the first phase of Uganda’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Malaba to Kampala.

The delegation was led by Board Member Sami Özge Arıoğlu and included General Manager Mustafa Şahin Kopuz, Project Coordinator Fevzi Mert Öz, Local Representative Albert Ateenyi Rugaju, and Design Engineer Hacı Hasan Kaygısız. The meeting took place at the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters in Entebbe.

During the session, the team briefed Gen Kainerugaba on project designs, technical systems, and the implementation timeline, with particular focus on a 2km tunnel passing through military land in Mbuya.

Gen Kainerugaba discussed the construction schedule and emphasized the importance of delivering a high-quality and timely project. In response, the delegation assured the CDF of their commitment to quality workmanship and adherence to deadlines while expressing gratitude for the engagement.

Construction for the first phase of the SGR is slated to begin in 2026. The full railway will span 325 km, including a 227 km main line and 68 km of sidings, with an expected completion period of 48 months.

Strategically, the railway aims to connect Uganda to Kenya’s SGR, significantly reducing transport costs and travel time to the port of Mombasa. The project encompasses the design, construction, and supply of rail vehicles to meet international railway standards.

This initiative represents a major milestone in Uganda’s infrastructure development, promising to enhance regional trade and strengthen economic ties with neighboring Kenya.