African Development Bank clears SGR ESIA report

Development brings AfDB financial commitment closer

Standard Guage Railway (SGR) Project mobilisation towards commencing construction continues with more activities being done in the environmental and social section. 

In early August 2026, the African Development Bank (AfDB) cleared the Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP) following months of engagements with the SGR technical teams. 

The development now paves way for AfDB to publicly disclose these documents for public scrutiny. This is one step closer to financial close.  

Development of the SGR will be funded by Government of Uganda (15%), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs)- (25%) and Export Credit Agencies (ECAs)- (60%).

Prior to this clearance, the Project had submitted to AfDB all the five (5) E and S documents needed for their disclosure and also addressed all comments provided by AfDB on the documents. The five (5) E and S documents submitted include the updated ESIA report, Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), (EPRP) and the Security Management Plan. 

On 10 July 2026, the Project also resubmitted the revised updated ESIA report and SEP (addressing AfDB additional comments). 

On 6 August 2026, AfDB provided a few additional comments to further improve the RAP, which are currently being addressed.

Besides this development, early works at the Iganga camp site are nearing completion. A sleeper factory, batching plant, materials yard, workers camps and other related facilities are being set up in preparation for commencement of construction.