The African Development Bank (AfDB) has reaffirmed its commitment to finance the construction of Uganda’s 326-kilometre Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) section connecting Malaba and Kampala.

The commitment was made by the Bank’s Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery, Dr. Abdul Kamara, during a meeting with Uganda’s delegation on the sidelines of the African Development Bank Annual Meetings 2026 in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

Uganda’s delegation was led by Mustapha Achidri, the Temporary Governor and Assistant Commissioner at the Ministry of Finance.

According to Dr. Kamara, the SGR project aligns with the African Development Bank’s priority of building resilient infrastructure across the African continent.

The Bank has already tentatively allocated UA 480 million, equivalent to approximately USD 650 million, towards the project. However, the final financing arrangements will be concluded during an appraisal mission scheduled for June 2026, subject to the approval of African Development Fund 17 (ADF-17).

In addition to supporting the railway project, Dr. Kamara pledged USD 1 million in emergency assistance to support Uganda’s response to the Ebola outbreak.

Speaking during the meeting, Achidri welcomed the Bank’s commitment to finance the Standard Gauge Railway project, describing it as a key enabler under Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.

He noted that the Government of Uganda is currently mobilising EUR 2.7 billion to finance the construction of the railway.

Achidri also thanked the African Development Bank for its continued support to Uganda, highlighting recently approved projects by the Bank’s Board. These include additional financing worth EUR 7.33 million for the Uganda Rural Electrification Project I and EUR 101.23 million for the Uganda Rural Electrification Access Project Phase II.

On behalf of the Government of Uganda, Achidri congratulated the newly elected President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah.

"The Government of Uganda pledges its support to your endeavours during your tenure," said Achidri.

The meeting was also attended by Bhebhe Themba, AfDB Country Manager for Uganda; Yvette Glele-Ahanhanzo, Director for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery; and Joy Kategekwa, Director of the Regional Coordination Office.

The Malaba-Kampala Standard Gauge Railway remains one of Uganda’s flagship infrastructure projects aimed at improving regional connectivity, boosting trade and supporting long-term economic transformation.