transport 16 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
URC Launches School Train Pilot to Ease Mukono-Kampala Traffic Congestion
Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) is starting a pilot train service on April 17 to transport students from Seroma High School in Mukono to drop-off points in Kampala, aiming to reduce traffic jams and enhance child safety on the busy route. The initiative targets the heavy school-run congestion by removing vehicles from the road. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/urc-introduces-school-train-services-to-cut-mukono-kampala-traffic-jam-5425792
Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) is introducing a special passenger train service for schoolchildren to tackle severe traffic jams on the Mukono-Kampala route. The pilot kicks off on Friday, April 17, focusing initially on students from Seroma High School in Mukono.
The train will depart Kampala at 9:00 a.m., pick up pupils at Mukono, and drop them off at safer spots like Bweyogerere, Namanve, and Kireka for parental collection. This setup allows schools and parents to avoid the full congested drive, cutting dozens of cars from morning traffic.
URC Senior Public Relations Manager Lenon Ssengendo explained that schools with enough students can coordinate pickups, with costs integrated into school fees. It’s positioned as a government service prioritizing public benefit over profit.
The corridor sees about 2,200 daily train passengers, potentially removing over 1,000 vehicles from highways if carpooling is considered. Ssengendo highlighted the dual goals of decongesting roads and protecting students from hazardous school runs.
Operations require boarding by 8:40 a.m., using current capacity. Success could expand the service to more schools before the early May holidays.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)