news 19 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

URC Demolishes Encroachers to Reclaim Kampala-Kasese Railway Corridor

The Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) has commenced a nationwide operation to evict thousands occupying railway reserve land, starting with the Kampala-Kasese corridor. The demolition exercise proceeded smoothly, unlike previous ones, following a government directive. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/encroachers-demolished-as-urc-reclaims-kampala-kasese-railway-corridor-5637488

The Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) has launched a significant operation to reclaim its land, beginning with demolitions along the Kampala-Kasese railway corridor. Thousands of individuals and businesses operating on railway reserve land in Madanda Village, Wakiso District, were evicted following the expiration of an ultimatum.

The operation, enforced by police and URC officials, saw structures, including a traditional healer’s shrine, brought down. This marks the start of a wider national campaign targeting illegal occupants on railway reserves and station grounds across the country.

URC is enforcing a mandatory 60-meter wide corridor on either side of the tracks. While some residents expressed distress and pleaded for more time or compensation, URC spokesperson John Ssegendo stated that ample warning had been given, including a notice in 2022. He emphasized that public funds would not be used to compensate illegal occupants, with compensation only applicable to specific projects funded by the African Development Bank.

This reclamation effort is crucial for Uganda’s infrastructure modernization. Years of encroachment have hindered railway maintenance, compromised safety, and stalled rehabilitation projects aimed at improving freight transport and reducing logistics costs.

The URC announced that similar operations will extend to other key railway routes, including Tororo–Gulu, Gulu–Pakwach, Busoga Loop, Butiaba, and Masindi. Unauthorized occupants on all railway station land nationwide have also been ordered to vacate.

While the exact number of affected individuals and the cost of land recovery are yet to be disclosed, URC insists the clearance is essential for restoring safe and reliable rail transport. The corporation assures that the enforcement will be firm yet conducted with fairness and respect for the affected communities.