Kampala -A new Board of Directors for the Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) was on Tuesday sworn in and officially inaugurated at the Ministry of Works and Transport main boardroom.
The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Registrar of the Inspectorate of Courts, HW Festo Nsenga, and witnessed by the Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala; the State Minister for Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama; senior ministry officials; outgoing Board members; and staff of the Uganda Railways Corporation.
Addressing the gathering, Gen. Katumba Wamala commended the outgoing Board for its willingness to serve the country and for the contributions made during its tenure. He emphasized the strategic importance of Uganda Railways to national development, noting that inefficiencies in the rail sector directly affect the country’s economic growth.
“Logistics movement and railways are at the heart of this country. Reviving the railway system is therefore not optional but urgent,” the Minister said.
He urged the incoming Board to exercise diligent oversight, uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency, and safeguard public assets entrusted to them. He further challenged the Board to prioritise the modernisation of railway infrastructure and strengthen regional connectivity to support trade and development. The Minister assured the new Board of his full support to enable them to make a visible and lasting impact.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Works and Transport, Mr. Bageya Waiswa, thanked the outgoing Board Chairperson and members for their efforts to transform the Corporation. He welcomed the composition of the new Board, noting that it draws representation from both the Ministry of Works and Transport as the parent ministry and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
In his remarks to the sworn-in members, HW Festo Nsenga underscored the solemn nature of the oaths taken, reminding them that the oaths carry both moral and legal weight. He encouraged the Board members to guard the oaths jealously, use them as a reference point when faced with challenges, and consistently reflect on them in the execution of their duties. He wished the Board a successful and impactful tenure.
Speaking on behalf of the new Board, the Chairperson, Hon. Daudi Migereko, expressed appreciation to the outgoing Board and pledged continuity and progress. He assured stakeholders that the new Board would build on the foundations already laid to further advance the Corporation.
Hon. Migyereko also committed to strengthening coordination and collaboration among agencies under the Ministry of Works and Transport to stimulate growth and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The newly sworn-in Uganda Railways Corporation Board comprises Hon. Daudi Migereko (Chairperson), Mr. Benjamin Owiny Olobo, Mr. Peter Isingoma, Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Ms. Farida Mayanja Mpiima, Ms. Ruth Asiimwe Kanyaruju, Ms. Florence Hashaka Kabahweza, Mr. Nelson Rwenaga, and Mr. Benon Kajuna Mwebaze (ex officio).
The Managing Director of Uganda Railways Corporation, Mr. Benon Kajuna, outgoing Board members, and officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport and URC were also in attendance.
