Uganda has taken a major step in developing its Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) by signing a Limited Notice to Proceed (LNTP) agreement with Turkish construction firm Yapi Merkezi. The deal, signed over the weekend in Kampala, clears the way for early works to begin.
The signing ceremony was attended by Ministry of Works and Transport Permanent Secretary Bageya Waiswa, Yapi Merkezi’s Uganda representative Mert Oz, and SGR Uganda chief Can. Eng. Perez Wamburu.
Kenya Pushes Forward with SGR Expansion
The development comes as Kenya advances its SGR extension from Naivasha to Kisumu. Kenya Railways has marked the alignment for Phase 2B of the project, covering 262 kilometers across Narok, Bomet, Kericho, and Kisumu counties. Unlike the old railway route, the new alignment will follow a different path. A resettlement study has been commissioned to guide compensation for affected communities.
New Kisumu Port to Boost Regional Trade
As part of the expansion, an 8-kilometer branch will extend into Lake Victoria, where a new port in Kisumu is planned. The port will include two multipurpose berths and a work boat berth to ensure safe docking of ships. The facility is expected to strengthen Kisumu’s role as a key regional trade hub.