The Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) is grappling with a surge in vandalism and theft, with officials warning that the criminal activity is severely undermining operations and posing safety risks across the national railway network.
On Wednesday during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre, the URC Managing Director, Mr. Benon M. Kajuna said Soroti district has emerged as a major hot spot for theft of railway materials.
“In March 2025, several individuals were arrested following complaints from contractors about stolen railway materials,” Mr. Kajuna disclosed.
He explained that acts of vandalism are not only costing the corporation financially but are also contributing to operational delays and accidents involving cargo trains.
“In Kampala and Wakiso, people are collecting ballast stones for their construction projects. In Mukono, Kawolo and Jinja, essential components like fish-plates, bolts and nuts are being removed from functional lines and sold on the black market,” he said.
Kajuna highlighted growing safety concerns, revealing that URC has recorded three fatal accidents along the railway reserve since the beginning of 2025. While railway accidents remain relatively rare, their consequences are often severe.
Preliminary investigations point to common causes, including pedestrians using railway lines as walkways, motorists ignoring crossing regulations, and suspected suicide cases.
“We urge the public to prioritize safety, avoid using railway reserves as footpaths, stop and check surroundings at level crossings, and never stop on railway tracks, especially during peak hours,” he warned.
According to Kajuna, URC currently moves about 250,000 tons of cargo annually, well below its 540,000-tonne target. He attributed the shortfall to aging infrastructure but expressed optimism that ongoing upgrades and acquisition of modern rolling stock will boost capacity to over 600,000 tons per year.
On passenger services, he reported that the commuter line between Kampala and Mukono transports about 2,000 passengers daily, totaling roughly 48,000 passengers each month.
Kajuna outlined several long-standing challenges undermining railway efficiency including inconsistent and inadequate funding, aging and insufficient rolling stock, dilapidated infrastructure and vandalism among others.
“Despite these hurdles, we are implementing targeted measures to modernize the railway network. We are focused on improving safety, combating vandalism, and restoring public confidence in rail transport,” Kajuna said.
He reiterated URC’s commitment to enhancing service delivery through strategic partnerships, infrastructure rehabilitation, and community sensitization on railway safety and asset protection.
