The transport sector is one of the most crucial sectors in the country as other sectors depend on it either directly or indirectly. Uganda is served by road, rail, inland water and air transport and the majority of people use road public transport. Plans are under way to construct the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) with the aim of linking it with Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and South Sudan.
Performance of the transport sector
The transport sector is one of the most crucial sectors in the country as other sectors depend on it either directly or indirectly for transport. In FY 2018/19 the sector has been allocated Ushs 4.8 trillion compared Ushs 4,587 billion in FY 2017/18 and Ushs 3,824 billion in FY 2016/17.
Regulatory framework in the Transport Sector
Ministry of Works and Transport
The Ministry is responsible for planning, developing and maintaining an economic, efficient and effective transport infrastructure and transport services by road, rail, water and air.
National Road Safety Authority (NRSA)
The government set up an autonomous NRSA with a responsibility of supporting government efforts to improve road safety. The information collected by NRSA is used by road agencies, police, and the Ministry of Works and Transport in the process of improving and developing the roads sector.
The National Road Safety Council (NRSC)
NRSC funded through the Uganda Road Fund-URF promotes safe use of the roads.
The National Transport Master Plan
The National Transport Master Plan Including a Transport Master Plan for Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (NTMP/GKMA) sets out a framework for development of the transport sector over the next 15 years, 2008-23. It reflects the key role that transport plays in facilitating economic and social development. The master plan aims at promoting cheaper, efficient and reliable transport services as the means of providing effective support to increased agricultural and industrial production, trade, tourism, social and administrative services.
Multi-Sector Transport Regulatory Agency
Multi-Sector Transport Regulatory Agency (MTRA) covering rail, waterways, road transport, and the proposed petroleum pipeline is responsible for regulating increased private sector participation in the sector.
Road sector policies
The road sector has policies aim at providing an efficient, safe and sustainable road network in support of market integration and poverty reduction. Also improving the managerial and operational efficiency of road administration.
Air Transport Policy
The policy on aviation industry is to ensure that the air transport industry is safe, secure, regular and efficient. It is also aims at turning Entebbe Airport turns into a regional hub.
Rail Transport Policy
The policy on rail hinges on reduction of direct role of government in the sub sector, promotion of private sector participation and commercialization of Railway Transport.
National Development Plan (NDP II)
The National Development Plan (NDP) that covers the fiscal period 2015/16-2019/20 has the following five strategic objectives;
The sector priority areas
Transport infrastructure is key for the structural transformation of Uganda’s economy. Therefore government has made it a priority to increase the stock and quality of economic infrastructure so as to accelerate the country’s competitiveness.
Performance of road subsector
The key priority of increasing the stock of road infrastructure is being maintained in FY 2018/19 and significant progress has been made in FY 2017/18 with addition of a 107.5 kms of new paved roads to the national network. Partial works of 806 kilometers of roads were also completed during the FY 2017/18. The total length of paved roads in Uganda in FY 2017/18 stood at 5,350 kilometers, compared to 987 kilometers in 1986.
Plans for FY 2018/19
The Government will in FY 2018/19, the financial year priorities will include:
Expressways
Government has undertaken construction of major expressways aimed at reducing traffic congestion in and around Kampala City. The core expressways include the following;
Railway transport
The government is committed to development of the Standard Gauge Railway. 8% of the right of way for the SGR has been acquired with 228 Project Affected Persons in Tororo having been paid. In FY 2018/19 additional land on the Eastern route will be procured to facilitate the Standard Gauge Railway right of way. In addition, 42 Railway wagons will be rehabilitated, bad spots along Port Bell – Kampala and Kampala – Malaba line will be repaired. Marking of the railway reserve boundaries will also be undertaken.
Water Transport
The Government has continued to prioritize the improvement of inland water facilities through the Development of Bukasa port, improvement of marine transport infrastructure at Port Bell, Jinja Pier and other landing sites, and re-opening of the Southern route. Procurement of Ferries for effective and safe continuation of national road network and provision of transport services to islands and other hard to reach areas is planned during the financial year.
Plans for FY 2018/19
Government plans to increase enforcement of regulations, in order to make water transport safe and environmentally suitable for the movement of both passenger and cargo traffic in addition to rehabilitate Portbell and Jinja ports.
Air Transport
20-year National Aviation Master Plan (2014-2033)
This a master that guides the country in the following issues;
Redevelopment of the Entebbe International Airport is one of the core projects of NDPII. The redevelopment of Entebbe International Airport is on course. The new cargo center is 30% complete and 20% works for the modification of the passenger terminal building is done. In addition 15% of the rehabilitation works for expansion of Apron 1 is also done.
Uganda Airlines
The National Airline will be revived FY 2018/19 and aircraft will be acquired to commence regional air services. The revival of the National Airline will enhance Uganda’s competitiveness by reducing the cost of air transport and ease connectivity to and from Uganda.
Kabaale International Airport in Hoima (Phase I)
This project is a strategic intervention to enhance the development of the Oil and Gas industry in Western Uganda through providing an expedient air transport facility for bulk assets destined to the region. The construction of a runway for the airport and its associated Taxiways has started.
Challenges in the Transport Sector Uganda
Transport sector has been summarized to include the following
Transport Sector Profile in Uganda
Investment opportunities in transport sector
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