Commuters travelling between Kampala, Namanve and Mukono have received a boost after Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) introduced additional passenger train services along the busy corridor.
The new services officially take effect today, Monday, August 31, 2026, giving passengers more options to travel during the day and evening.
The move comes as authorities continue looking for affordable alternatives to road transport amid congestion and rising pressure on Kampala’s public transport system.
According to the new timetable announced by Uganda Railways, a new lunchtime service will depart Kampala at 1:30pm, stop Namanve at approximately 2:00pm, and arrive in Mukono at 2:30pm. The train will then begin its return journey from Mukono at 3:00pm.
URC has also introduced an additional evening service to provide commuters with more flexibility when returning home.
The new evening service includes departures from Mukono at 6:30pm and 6:40pm, with the train expected to reach Kampala at approximately 7:40pm. Another service leaves Namanve at 8:15am and arrives in Kampala at 8:50am.
For evening commuters, an existing service leaves Kampala for Namanve at 5:30pm, while another train departs Kampala at 7:50pm, arriving in Mukono at approximately 8:50pm.
URC has also announced a new passenger coach designed to improve the travelling experience. Unlike coaches where passengers may stand during busy periods, the new coach will have a no-standing arrangement, meaning passengers will travel while seated.
The standard fare remains relatively affordable. According to information provided by URC, ordinary passengers travelling between Kampala and Mukono pay shs2,000, while choosing the executive fare between Kampala and Namanve is shs4,000.
The expansion comes at a time when Kampala and surrounding areas continue to experience serious traffic congestions.
Many commuters spend hours on the road, particularly during peak morning and evening periods. Rail transport therefore offers an alternative that could help reduce pressure on roads while giving workers and students another affordable way of moving between Kampala, Namanve and Mukono.
Uganda Railways’ latest move is therefore being seen as a step towards expanding commuter rail services in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
If demand continues to grow, the additional trips could strengthen the case for further investment in railways transport and expansion of passenger services to other parts of the metropolitan area.
The Kampala-Mukono railway section has also undergone rehabilitation, including track refurbishment, level-crossing improvements and drainage works.
Government has previously highlighted railway rehabilitation as part of broader efforts to improve public transport and reduce the cost of movement.
For now, commuters on the Kampala – Namanve – Mukono route have more choices, with the new lunchtime and evening services beginning today.