I will fast-track construction of Standard Gauge Railway, says Muntu

_________________

The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. (rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu has pledged to fast-track the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Uganda if elected president on January 15, 2015.

According to Muntu, the SGR project is expected to deliver significant economic benefits, including lower transport costs, reduced wear and tear on roads and faster transit times.

“As ANT, we hope that embarking on this expensive project will also contribute to environmental sustainability, with a 72% reduction in hydrocarbon emissions due to the huge number of transit vehicles involved.”

Muntu made the remarks while addressing a campaign rally in Doko ward, Industrial City division, Mbale municipality in Mbale district on December 27, 2028.

He said the pledge was aimed at boosting economic growth, strengthening regional integration and promoting sustainable development.

The first leg of the SGR project, spanning approximately 272 kilometres from Malaba to Kampala, is expected to cost €2.7 billion, about sh10.8 trillion, and take 48 months to complete. The government earlier this year released $75 million [about sh270 billion] to kickstart construction.

“We need railway transport to save our roads from destruction. The SGR will connect Uganda to regional hubs, including Mombasa and Dar es Salaam ports, and neighbouring countries like South Sudan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Muntu elaborated.

“It will also reduce transportation costs, with estimates suggesting a decrease from $3,500 (sh12.6m) to $1,500 (sh5m) per container from Mombasa to Kampala,” the district coordinator said.

Muntu’s pledge comes amid concerns over land acquisition delays, financing constraints and regional dependencies affecting the project.

Muntu commends removing army from lakes

Muntu also commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for removing the army from Uganda’s lakes, a move intended to end harassment and extortion of fishermen.

He described the decision as a step in the right direction but urged further action.

“This is a commendable move, but it's just the beginning. Museveni must now focus on cleaning up his legacy, addressing corruption, and ensuring accountability for past abuses,” Muntu said.

Addressing another campaign rally at Central ward, Nabumali town council in Mbale district, Muntu appealed to Museveni to offer Ugandans a ‘miracle’ of a peaceful transition of power in order to be fully regarded as the father of the nation.

“For the last 63 years, Uganda has never had a president hand over office to the incoming president through a democratic process. The only miracle President Museveni can give to Ugandans is to retire peacefully and go home through an electoral process,” Muntu declared.

Museveni recently ordered the disbandment of the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) and landing site committees following complaints from fishing communities.

The FPU, which was established in 2017 to curb illegal fishing, had been accused of human rights abuses and heavy-handed enforcement. The unit is set to be renamed the 155 Marines Battalion under the UPDF Marines Brigade.

“I know that the army will come back to their usual fishing business after elections because we are now in politics, but I am here promising to remove the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers from the lakes and water bodies,” Muntu insisted.

However, the army is expected to remain on Lake Albert to gather intelligence due to persistent insecurity along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, although this remains to be seen.

Muntu promises compensation to Mt Elgon landslide victims, reversal of the Coffee Act.

While campaigning, Muntu also promised compensation to victims of landslides in the Mt Elgon region and pledged to reverse the Coffee Act.

Addressing supporters at Township village, Busano parish, Bungokho subcounty in Mbale district, Muntu cited delays and inadequate compensation as key failures in the government’s handling of landslide victims.

“We will ensure compensation and resettlement for landslide victims, and reverse the Coffee Act to support farmers,” Muntu said.