The Minister of Works and Transport Hon. Fred Byamukama has held a courtesy meeting with H.E. Anna Maria Olsson, Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda, in which they agreed to strengthen cooperation and partnership to bolster Uganda’s transport infrastructure.
The proposed partnership will prioritise enhancing the railway and water transport infrastructure to offer transport solutions and improve service delivery in hard to reach areas and improve cargo transportation.
Hon. Byamukama noted that plans are underway to invest more in railway infrastructure to reduce on the cost of maintenance of roads which get damaged and eventually wear out by heavy cargo trucks.
He noted that Government of Uganda plans to construct the Soroti–Karamoja metre-gauge railway, given the growing business and mineral activities in the region. The railway will facilitate cargo movement, reduce pressure on roads and improve access to markets.
On water transport, the partnership will focus on the rehabilitation of existing ferries and acquisition of new ones to ease mobility on Lake Victoria.
H.E Anna Maria Olsson informed the meeting that the Swedish Government has implemented similar transport infrastructure projects in West Africa specifically in Nigeria, and is eager to replicate the projects in Uganda under the new partnership. She said Swedish companies have contributed to the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway that connects countries in West Africa.
She said her Government is willing to collaborate with the Government of Uganda to finance transport infrastructure projects.
The partnership is expected to improve connectivity, reduce road congestion and enhance access to hospitals, markets and other essential services, particularly for island communities.
Uganda looks forward to working with Sweden to mobilise expertise and investment for these priority transport projects.