Uganda Railways powers CHAN 2024 mobility, sets stage for AFCON 2027

Uganda’s revitalised railway system is proving to be more than just a transport alternative, it’s quickly becoming a fan favourite, especially during major sporting events like the ongoing TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.

As the Uganda Cranes kicked off their Group C campaign at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Monday, thousands of fans opted to use the Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) service to beat the notorious traffic congestion that often surrounds the venue on matchdays.

According to URC spokesperson John Linonn Sengendo, the corporation transported over 3,000 fans to Namboole across three shifts, ensuring timely arrival for the kickoff. On the return leg after the game, over 900 fans used the service to get back to the city.

"Many football fans have now embraced the railway system," said Sengendo. "First, because it's affordable. On Monday, we charged only sh 2,000 per trip, which is less than other transport means. Secondly, it's fast and safer, especially with large crowds heading to a single destination.”

The growing fan confidence in rail transport is no accident. Over the last years, Uganda Railways has been steadily restoring routes, and increasing reliability, part of a broader national effort to reduce pressure on road infrastructure and cut down urban congestion.

With demand rising, Sengendo revealed that URC is planning to scale up capacity during the remainder of CHAN 2024, and well beyond.

“We are working on expanding our wagon fleet to cater for even more fans. Our goal is to improve the railway system not just for the tournament, but for everyday use,” he said. “By the time we co-host AFCON 2027, we expect to be operating a significantly larger and more efficient network.”

The reintroduction of passenger train services in Kampala and its outskirts has already begun to change commuting patterns. The Kampala–Namanve–Mukono route, a key stretch during CHAN — has become the flagship of URC’s passenger revival. With average journey times of 30–40 minutes, the trains offer a faster alternative to road traffic, especially during rush hours and big events.

Beyond sporting events, many daily commuters have also begun to see the railway as a dependable alternative. “Even when there are no games, people are using the trains. That shows this is not just a temporary fix; it's becoming part of how people move,” Sengendo noted.

The CHAN 2024 tournament, co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, is more than just a football celebration, it is also a rehearsal for the continent's future events and infrastructure readiness. For Uganda, the renewed focus on rail is part of a larger plan to modernize public transport and connect more communities.

As Uganda looks ahead to co-hosting AFCON 2027, railway transport is expected to play a vital role in fan mobility, particularly for games scheduled outside Kampala. URC hopes that with continued investment and public trust, trains will become the backbone of sports mobility in the country.

"We have seen the impact rail transport can have, not just on logistics, but also on the fan experience. It's affordable, it's efficient, and it's reliable. With the right support, we can take it to the next level,” Sengendo said.