Overview:
The pledge was made by AfDB Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery, Dr Abdul Kamara, during a meeting with a Ugandan delegation on the sidelines of the bank's 2026 Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
BRAZZAVILLE, CONGO — The African Development Bank (AfDB) has reaffirmed its commitment to finance Uganda’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, with tentative funding of $650 million (about Shs2.4 trillion) earmarked for the construction of the Malaba-Kampala section.
The pledge was made by AfDB Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery, Dr Abdul Kamara, during a meeting with a Ugandan delegation on the sidelines of the bank’s 2026 Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
Dr Kamara said the proposed 326-kilometre railway line from Malaba to Kampala aligns with the bank’s priority of investing in resilient infrastructure to support economic transformation and regional integration across Africa.
“The project is well aligned with the Bank’s strategic objective of developing resilient infrastructure on the African continent,” he said.
According to AfDB officials, the bank has tentatively allocated 480 million Units of Account (UA), equivalent to approximately $650 million, towards the project.
The final financing arrangements are expected to be concluded during an appraisal mission scheduled for June 2026, subject to approval under the African Development Fund (ADF-17).
The Malaba-Kampala railway is a key component of Uganda’s long-delayed Standard Gauge Railway project, which is expected to improve cargo transportation, lower logistics costs and strengthen trade links between Uganda and the region.
The project forms part of the wider regional railway network intended to connect Uganda to Kenya’s rail system and enhance access to the Port of Mombasa.
Uganda’s delegation to the meeting was led by the Temporary Governor to the AfDB and Finance Ministry official, Mr Mustapha Achidri, who welcomed the bank’s commitment to support the railway project.
Mr Achidri said the government is currently mobilising approximately €2.7 billion to finance construction of the SGR.
“The Government of Uganda appreciates the African Development Bank’s continued support towards strategic infrastructure projects that are critical for economic transformation,” he said.
He also thanked the bank for its support to Uganda’s development agenda, citing recently approved projects in the energy sector.
These include additional financing of €7.3 million for the Uganda Rural Electrification Project I and €101.23 million for the Uganda Rural Electrification Access Project Phase II.
In a separate commitment, Dr Kamara announced that the AfDB would provide $1 million in emergency funding to support Uganda’s response to the Ebola outbreak.
The funding is expected to bolster ongoing efforts by government and health authorities to contain the disease and strengthen emergency response interventions.
The announcement comes as Uganda continues to enhance surveillance, public awareness and disease prevention measures following reported Ebola cases in parts of the country.
During the meeting, Mr Achidri also congratulated the newly elected President of the African Development Bank, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, pledging Uganda’s support during his tenure.
“The Government of Uganda pledges its support to your endeavours during your tenure,” Mr Achidri said.
The meeting was attended by AfDB Uganda Country Manager Bhebhe Themba, Regional Director Yvette Glele-Ahanhanzo and Director of the Regional Coordination Office, Joy Kategekwa, among other officials.
The AfDB’s commitment to the SGR project is expected to provide a major boost to Uganda’s efforts to secure financing for one of its most ambitious infrastructure investments, which government views as critical to reducing transport costs and enhancing the country’s competitiveness.