Commissioner Richard Ndiku says ITIS Programme to Enhance Uganda's Transport Sector as Ministry of Works and Transport Highlights Progress on the NRM Manifesto Implementation of Commitments (2021–2024

* *By John Kusolo*

Richard Ndiku Commissioner at the Ministry of Works and Transport says the Integrated Transport Infrastructure & Services (ITIS) Programme is a key pillar under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto (2021–2026). It aims to enhance Uganda's transport sector by integrating and modernizing transport infrastructure and services across road, air, rail, and inland water modes. He made the remarks during the presentation of the NRM Manifesto, 2021-2026 progress on the implementation of commitments (2021-2024) on behalf of the Hon. Minister Of Works and Transport during the NRM Manifesto Week held at the Office of the President auditorium.

*Lead Implementing Partners:*

Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT): Policy formulation, regulation, planning, and monitoring.

Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA): Management of national roads.

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA): Regulation of air transport.

Uganda Railways Corporation (URC): Management of railway transport.

Uganda Road Fund (URF): Financing road maintenance.

Uganda National Airlines Company Limited: Air transport services.

Other Partners: Ministries (e.g., Local Government, Finance), KCCA, NPA, Parliament, Development Partners, and others.

2. Programme Commitments

The commitments focus on enhancing the four modes of transport through a collaborative approach involving five votes and several agencies.

*Summary of Commitments:*

Railway Transport: 7 commitments.

Air Transport: 5 commitments.

Inland Water Transport: 4 commitments.

Road Transport: 24 commitments.

3. Programme Physical Performance

Railway Transport

Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) Rehabilitation:

Gulu-Pakwach (129 km): Feasibility study ongoing.

Tororo-Gulu (375 km): 21.34% physical works completed; 2,134/4,886 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) compensated.

Kampala-Malaba Line: Emergency repairs completed; refurbishment of Kampala-Mukono line concluded.

Locomotive and Wagon Repairs:

Maintained 5 mainline locomotives, 7 light locomotives, 645 wagons, and 5 passenger coaches.

Storage Facilities for Fuel Imports:

Rehabilitation of fuel tanks in Kampala and Tororo planned for FY 2025/26.

Standard Gauge Railway (SGR):

Eastern Route Financing: Contract signed with M/s Yapi Merkezi (Turkey); preliminary works set for February 2025.

Land Acquisition: Compensation ongoing; 134 km of the 230 km mainline acquired.

Local Content Strategy: At least 40% of the contract value to be spent locally.

Inland Water Transport

Port Development:

Minor rehabilitations at Jinja Pier; feasibility studies for a green port at Port Bell.

Navigation Safety:

Maritime call center operational; search and rescue centers under construction; 9 rescue boats and 2,800 lifejackets procured.

Ferry Services:

Floating tests completed for MV BKK ferries; commissioning pending.

MV Repairs:

Repairs to MV Kaawa and MV Pamba concluded.

*Air Transport*

Hoima International Airport:

98% completion.

Arua Airfield Upgrades:

New terminal building and apron completed; security screening equipment procured.

*Uganda Airlines Expansion:*

Two A330 Airbus planes delivered; plans to acquire cargo freighters underway.

*Kasese and Gulu Airfields:*

Projects at feasibility stage under the Public Investment Management System (PIMS).

Road Transport

Road Maintenance and Upgrades:

Ongoing works across key national roads with a focus on reducing transit times and improving safety.

*Funding and Policy Enhancements:*

Strategic financing mechanisms implemented through URF.

The ITIS Programme has made substantial progress in implementing the NRM Manifesto commitments for 2021-2024. Continued focus on resource mobilization, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships is crucial to fully realize the remaining targets.