Fresh uncertainty has emerged around Uganda’s long-delayed Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project after Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly called for protests against a Turkish construction company linked to the multi-billion-dollar infrastructure venture, only weeks after renewed optimism following an African Development Bank funding announcement.
The controversy erupted after Muhoozi criticised the Turkish firm on social media and urged Ugandans to demonstrate against the company, accusing it of misconduct linked to the railway project.
His remarks quickly sparked debate online and raised questions about the future direction of the SGR initiative.
The development comes shortly after the African Development Bank signaled renewed financial support for regional infrastructure projects, a move that had reignited hopes for progress on Uganda’s section of the railway.
Uganda’s SGR project has faced years of delays caused by financing gaps, procurement disputes and shifting regional priorities.
The railway is expected to connect Uganda to regional trade corridors through neighbouring Kenya, reducing cargo transport costs and improving trade efficiency.
Analysts say Muhoozi’s comments could complicate investor confidence and diplomatic relations at a sensitive stage of negotiations involving foreign contractors and international financiers.
Government officials had not issued a detailed response to the remarks by press time, while the Turkish company at the centre of the dispute had also not publicly commented.
The latest controversy adds to growing public scrutiny surrounding one of East Africa’s most ambitious transport infrastructure projects, whose completion is considered key to regional economic integration.
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