Uganda prefers European standard for SGR, throwing off Kenya

A cargo train arrives at the Mombasa standard gauge railway (SGR) Miritini Station on October 24, 2025.

Photo credit: Wachira Mwangi | Nation Media Group

Uganda prefers the European standard for its standard gauge railway (SGR) to the Chinese one, a move that negates the Northern Corridor member states’ desire to operate seamless cargo and passenger trains.

As such, the Uganda proposed electric SGR line would lock out Kenya’s diesel-powered locomotives within its territory, something experts describe as an operational barrier that has to be dismantled.