Acholi MPs want Kampala–Gulu Railway expedited to curb road carnages
The legislators argued that completion of the railway line would shift cargo to the rail and reduce the number of heavy trucks blamed for the frequent crashes on the Kampala-Gulu highway, which is the only major transport artery at the momen
Omoro District Woman Member of Parliament (MP) Catherine Lamwaka, who is also the chairperson of the Acholi Parliamentary Group, made the call during a press conference at Parliament. (Credit: Parliament)
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Lawmakers from the Acholi sub-region have urged the government to expedite work on the Kampala-Gulu meter gauge railway line, saying this will reduce road accidents.
The legislators argued that completion of the railway line would shift cargo to the rail and reduce the number of heavy trucks blamed for the frequent crashes on the Kampala-Gulu highway, which is the only major transport artery at the moment.
Omoro District Woman Member of Parliament (MP) Catherine Lamwaka, who is also the chairperson of the Acholi Parliamentary Group, made the call during a press conference at Parliament on Thursday (July 9, 2026). The Acholi Parliamentary Group is a caucus that brings together lawmakers from eight districts, namely: Agago, Amuru, Gulu, Kitgum, Nwoya, Lamwo, Pader and Omoro.
Lamwaka's comments followed the fatal accident two days ago involving a bus belonging to Opit Bus Company and a lorry. The accident claimed 15 lives.
However, Kilak South MP Gilbert Olanya said it is highly unlikely that the project will be completed soon.
“Currently, they are working on the railway line, but we are seeing other materials being ferried and brought to Kampala. We are doubting whether this railway line shall ever reach, and I don’t think we shall ever restore the usage of the train as it used to be during (former president Milton) Obote’s Government,” Olanya alleged.
According to the Budget Committee’s report on the Annual Budget estimates for the 2026/27 fiscal year, which commenced on July 1, the Government allocated a combined figure of Sh10.856 trillion towards infrastructure development.
Nwoya District Woman MP Christine Lanyero, who is also a director of Larem Bus Services, which operates between Kampala, Gulu and Kitgum, said while they support the proposed measures, the Government can implement mitigating interventions to curb road carnage, including restricting night travel for passenger vehicles.
“I cannot praise myself because accidents have no formula. What I do with my drivers is control measures. I control them on speed, talking on the phone and chatting with passengers when they are driving. We also restrict night journeys. My buses don’t travel at night unless there is an emergency,” Lanyero noted.
On her part, Lamwo District Woman MP Nancy Odonga Acora said there was a need to equip hospitals along the highway with vital health equipment.
“The long-term solution requires government, through the Ministry of Works and Transport, to put in place precautionary measures and efficiently back up highway hospitals like Kiryandongo to have a CT-Scan so that at any point in time there is an emergency response team that can help save people’s lives,” said Acora.
Amuru Woman MP Lucy Akello called upon government to consider extending financial support towards families of the deceased and those hospitalised.