Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu has pledged to develop a new rail corridor linking Uganda to the Indian Ocean, a move aimed at boosting regional trade, enhancing connectivity, and reducing reliance on other transport routes. The announcement was made during a joint meeting with Ugandan officials in Dar es Salaam, signaling renewed cooperation on infrastructure and economic integration in East Africa.
The proposed rail line would connect Uganda’s landlocked interior to the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam, providing a direct gateway for imports and exports. Officials said the project would reduce logistics costs for Ugandan businesses, facilitate faster movement of goods, and open new opportunities for regional trade.
“By linking Uganda to the Indian Ocean through Tanzania, we are creating a corridor that will benefit not only our two nations but the wider East African community,” President Samia said. “This initiative will strengthen trade, promote industrialization, and bring our peoples closer together.”
The plan is part of a broader regional vision to enhance transport infrastructure and promote economic integration under the East African Community (EAC) framework. Currently, Uganda relies heavily on Kenyan ports, such as Mombasa, for access to international shipping routes. The new rail line is expected to provide an alternative, reducing congestion and lowering transport costs for Ugandan exporters and importers.
Details of financing, project timelines, and construction phases have yet to be finalized, but both governments confirmed that feasibility studies would begin immediately. Officials emphasized that the project would involve modern railway technology, with dual freight and passenger capabilities, and would be designed to accommodate high-volume cargo, including agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and minerals.
More Read
Transport experts said the rail corridor could significantly enhance East Africa’s competitiveness by reducing dependency on road networks and providing a reliable, faster, and safer option for moving goods. “A rail link of this magnitude could transform regional trade dynamics,” said an independent infrastructure analyst. “It offers Uganda a shorter, cost-effective route to the sea while boosting Tanzania’s role as a transport hub.”
The announcement comes amid a renewed push for cross-border infrastructure projects across Africa, with governments seeking to leverage regional integration for economic growth. Similar initiatives include the Standard Gauge Railway connecting Kenya and Uganda, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline linking Uganda to Tanzania’s port of Tanga.
President Samia highlighted the strategic importance of the corridor for industrial development. “This is not just a railway; it is a lifeline for businesses, a catalyst for investment, and a bridge connecting our communities,” she said. Officials also noted potential employment opportunities during construction, with thousands of jobs expected in engineering, logistics, and ancillary services.
Ugandan officials welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the importance of diversifying transport options to reduce vulnerability to delays, congestion, or political disruptions in neighboring corridors. “This partnership with Tanzania will give our industries and farmers a reliable route to global markets,” a Ugandan trade official said.
While the project has been broadly welcomed, analysts caution that success will depend on careful planning, financing, and coordination between the two countries. Challenges such as land acquisition, environmental management, and cross-border customs procedures will need to be addressed to ensure the corridor delivers on its promise.
Both governments affirmed their commitment to moving quickly, with preliminary studies expected to be completed within the year. Once operational, the railway could transform trade in East Africa, giving Uganda secure access to the Indian Ocean and cementing Tanzania’s role as a regional transport and logistics hub.
Background to Tanzania rail link
Tanzania and Uganda have long explored infrastructure projects to improve regional trade and connectivity. As a landlocked country, Uganda relies heavily on neighboring Kenya and Tanzania for access to seaports. Currently, Uganda primarily exports goods through Kenya’s Mombasa port, while Tanzania’s port of Dar es Salaam also serves as an alternative route, but connectivity has been limited.
The proposed rail link aims to provide a direct corridor from Uganda to Dar es Salaam, giving Uganda reliable access to the Indian Ocean. This would reduce transport costs, shorten shipping times, and strengthen trade resilience. The project is part of broader East African Community (EAC) efforts to integrate transport networks, promote industrialization, and boost regional trade.
Historically, Tanzania has invested in rail infrastructure, such as the Central Line and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which connects Dar es Salaam to the interior. The new corridor for Uganda is expected to leverage these networks, potentially extending modern railway technology for freight and passenger transport. Funding and technical planning are still in the early stages, with feasibility studies and bilateral agreements shaping the final route and implementation timeline.
