Exploring Uganda by Train: Is It Worth It?
Rediscovering the Rails of the Pearl of Africa
As Uganda continues to evolve as one of Africa’s most captivating destinations, the question of alternative travel routes becomes increasingly relevant for curious explorers. Most journeys across this richly endowed country are taken by road, sometimes air. Yet, Uganda’s railway system, though often overlooked, carries with it a sense of nostalgia, potential, and unique travel charm. The prospect of exploring Uganda by train immediately evokes questions: Is it scenic? Is it practical? Is it worth your time?
Rail travel has historically played a pivotal role in East Africa’s infrastructure, dating back to the colonial era when lines connected remote regions with ports, markets, and capitals. Today, the railway system in Uganda is no longer the mainstay of transport it once was, but it is not entirely dormant either. With renewed efforts to revitalize and modernize select routes, especially those linked to trade and industry, the idea of rail tourism is slowly finding its footing again. For adventurous travelers, this presents a rare opportunity to experience the country through the slow, rhythmic pulse of its iron arteries.
This article delves into the current state of Uganda’s train services, the routes available, the landscapes along the tracks, and whether a journey by train is a worthwhile addition to your Ugandan travel itinerary.
A Brief History of Uganda’s Railways: A Colonial Legacy Reimagined
The origin of rail travel in Uganda can be traced back to the early 1900s during the British colonial period. The rail line, part of the broader Uganda Railway system, connected Kampala to the port of Mombasa in Kenya, facilitating trade and governance. The railway was a symbol of modernity and control but also a gateway to development.
For decades, this system served both freight and passengers, linking cities like Jinja, Tororo, and Kasese. Over time, due to political instability, lack of investment, and competition from road transport, many of the train routes fell into disrepair. By the early 2000s, passenger rail service in Uganda was virtually non-existent, and cargo trains operated sporadically.
However, in recent years, through efforts led by the government and private partnerships, there has been a push to revive and rehabilitate these long-forgotten tracks. The Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) has reintroduced some commuter and cargo services, and with the expanding East African Railway Master Plan, there’s cautious optimism that the train might once again play a role in shaping Ugandan travel.
The Current Train Routes: From Industrial Freight to Passenger Hopes
At present, Uganda’s railway system is still primarily geared toward freight transport, connecting inland Uganda to Kenya and South Sudan for the movement of goods. However, a few select lines now support limited passenger services, most notably between Kampala and Namanve, and between Kampala and Mukono. These are mainly short-distance commuter trains, popular with local workers seeking to avoid the infamous city traffic.
While these city-bound trains serve an important function, they are far from the cross-country rail journeys romanticized in travel memoirs. Nevertheless, they offer a unique window into the daily life of Ugandans and the social heartbeat of the capital region, with stations alive with energy, color, and informal trade.
The bigger question for travelers is whether long-distance rail travel across the country will ever be fully restored. Talks of reintroducing the Kampala-Kasese line, which winds through breathtaking areas like Fort Portal and Queen Elizabeth National Park, have stirred considerable interest. Similarly, the old Tororo-Gulu line, running through the northeastern corridor, could open up access to remote and less-touristed regions.
As of now, however, no long-distance passenger trains are operational for cross-country travel. What does exist is a series of charming, slow-paced city trips and a network in gradual renewal. For visitors willing to step off the beaten path, even these modest offerings present a compelling story of Uganda in motion.
Scenic Potential: Railways as a Lens into Uganda’s Diversity
If one were to assess train travel purely from the viewpoint of landscape exposure, the possibilities in Uganda would be limitless. The tracks crisscross a nation of vast ecological variety—lakes, mountains, forests, savannahs, and riverine valleys—and the slow nature of train travel allows for deep visual immersion. A journey along the revived Kampala-Kasese line, should it reopen to tourists, would arguably be one of the most picturesque railway experiences in Africa.
The tracks that run near Lake Victoria, the Nile River, the Mabira Forest, and the tea-rich highlands of Fort Portal are all part of a natural gallery best admired without the rush of road travel. Rail allows travelers to observe Uganda’s essence not just in nature, but in its people, markets, and village life, all visible from the comfort of a carriage window.
Yet, much of this potential remains untapped, pending heavy investment in infrastructure, rolling stock, and tourism-specific services. Without sleeper cars, dining facilities, or long-haul comfort features, the experience is currently more about local engagement than luxury or convenience.
Cultural and Historical Appeal: Riding Through Stories
Trains in Uganda are not just vehicles; they are time capsules. They pass through heritage towns, colonial-era depots, and historically significant regions. For the traveler with an interest in Uganda’s colonial and post-independence history, even short rides between Kampala and surrounding suburbs serve as meaningful, living exhibits.
Old stations, some still bearing British insignias and faded signage, hint at a time when the train was king. A guided rail tour—even a brief one—can bring this history to life in ways that vehicles cannot. The rhythmic clatter of wheels, the whistles in the distance, the communal atmosphere in carriages—each contributes to an experience that connects past and present, infrastructure and identity.
For documentary photographers, cultural researchers, and railway enthusiasts, the symbolism of Uganda’s railway revival adds another dimension to the journey. The train becomes more than transport—it becomes a medium through which Uganda tells part of its national story.
Challenges to Consider: Is the System Traveler-Ready?
While the idea of exploring Uganda by train holds undeniable allure, a sober look at the limitations is necessary. The current system remains rudimentary, and many routes are under maintenance or in developmental stages. Schedules can be unpredictable, ticketing inconsistent, and on-board amenities minimal.
Additionally, for those seeking to connect to national parks, lakeside resorts, or mountain lodges, the lack of direct railway access makes the train an incomplete travel solution. Most tourists would still need to rely on road transport for the bulk of their itinerary, using trains only as supplementary experience or novelty.
Moreover, safety standards and comfort levels have yet to reach the international benchmarks associated with scenic train journeys in Europe or South Africa. Until significant modernization is implemented, the experience remains rustic, authentic, and best-suited to the intrepid rather than the luxury-seeking traveler.
Is It Worth It?
Exploring Uganda by train is currently not the most efficient or comprehensive way to traverse the country, especially for those with limited time or specific safari schedules. However, for travelers who value cultural immersion, local engagement, and historical context, even a short train ride within Kampala or to its nearby towns offers insights that road travel may not provide.
The experience is worth it for the novelty, for the slow pace, and for the rare sense of stepping into Uganda’s evolving narrative. Train travel here is not about luxury or convenience—it’s about connection, and for those who embrace that ethos, it can be immensely rewarding.
As Uganda continues to invest in its infrastructure, the promise of fully-fledged scenic rail journeys across the country may soon become reality. Until then, the country’s true travel jewels remain best accessed via customized road itineraries, expertly crafted to reach the very heart of Uganda’s natural and cultural richness.
Let Muhiga Safaris Curate the Journey
While Uganda’s rail revival unfolds gradually, the vast majority of the country’s splendors—its gorilla highlands, lake resorts, savannahs, and volcanoes—remain best accessed by road. To navigate this terrain with confidence, comfort, and depth, partnering with a trusted local operator is essential. Muhiga Safaris offers expertly designed tours that blend adventure with cultural authenticity. From Kampala city tours to gorilla trekking in Bwindi and boat rides in Murchison, they understand the pulse of Uganda and tailor each journey to match individual curiosity and comfort.
Whether you choose to include a nostalgic train ride or not, the most enriching Ugandan experience begins with professionals who know every hidden gem and secret turn. For a seamless, safe, and unforgettable African journey, book your safari with Muhiga Safaris—where every mile tells a story.