A total of 1,241 km narrow gauge; 1,241 km 1.000-m gauge note; a program to rehabilitate the railroad is underway but the railroad is currently only for carge.
Road rehabilitation is seriously going on with highways and marrum road being paved and tarmacadised.
There is no public transport service as such, but there is an extensive network of minibus or Matatu’s that will take you to wherever you want to go, but only when all seats in the van are full. They are a quick means of transport, and convenient as they stop and pick up wherever you want them to, just yell “mu maaso awo,” or “bw’ofuna parking awo,” and the driver will stop for you. There is a law against overloading, and both drivers, and passengers are liable for the fine. There is also a fleet of “special hire” taxis that carry you to wherever you want. they are substantially more expensive than the matatu’s.
Getting to the remotest area of Uganda is not only possible, but is usually uncomplicated. Our fast-growing network of over 2,000 km of tarred roads is supplemented by over 6,000 km of high quality murram (dirt) roads, and feeder routes. If driving yourself, it is recommended that drivers take local advice regarding the time a journey may take, and the possible need for four-wheel drive. Fuel stations are available in all main towns, and on many major routes. However, if driving long distances, or on safari, it is advisable to take spare fuel, and to confirm the location of fuel stations. A good road map is essential and these are available from the Tourist Board in Kimathi Ave, Kampala.
Uganda has an extensive road network, of sealed and unsealed roads. Traffic drives on the left side. The major highways are two lane class 6 roads. Driving in Uganda is quite an experience, and probably the best way to see the country. One however has to be cautious of Pedestrians, Cyclists, wildlife and Livestock on all roads. Good bitumen roads exist between all major towns. The speed limit is 80kmh.
The major entry point into Uganda by road is from Kenya via either Malaba, or Busia. The journey from Nairobi can be made by car, or bus and takes between 7 and 12 hours. The other frequently used entry point is at Kisoro at the Uganda / Rwanda Border.
While driving in Uganda the following documentation is required at all times: a) Vehicle registration book b) Vehicle certificate of Insurance (Heavy fines are imposed for driving an uninsured vehicle) c) International or Domestic drivers license Note: Commercial vehicles not registered in Uganda require a permit to operate in Uganda.
Uganda has a hierarchical road network comprising of National (trunk), District (feeder), Urban and Community roads.
National Network:
- 2300 Kms paved
- 7300 Kms unpaved
District Network
- 22,000 Kms, unpaved.
Urban Network:
- 3,000 Kms
Community Roads:
- Over 30,000 Kms.
In order to effectively perform these functions, the Ministry is divided into 2 directorates, one for Engineering and another for Transport and Communications, as well as a department for Finance and Administration.
In addition, Government has decided to form an autonomous Road Agency in the very near future. For this reason, a Road Agency Formation Unit, RAFU, has been setup as a nucleus for the future Road Agency. To get details about the status of te road sector in Uganda, go to Ministry Web site
Postal services are fairly well organized in Uganda and you should have no problem sending or receiving letters. International call facilities as well as fax facilities exist at the main Post Office. Otherwise phone cards can be bought and used in public pay phones.
Direct dialing to neighboring countries requires 2 sets of numbers: first the city code the the number. International calls require 4 sets of numbers: first the international prefix, then the country code, the city code, then the number.
Telephone, Telex, Fax and services are available in all the main towns. The IDD code for Uganda is +256.
Water ways is through Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, Lake Kyoga, Lake George, Lake Edward, Victoria Nile, Albert Nile. major ports are at Entebbe, Jinja and Port Bell total. 1,000 GRT or over vessels totaling 5,091 GRT/8,229 DWT ships by type are used. These ships are in cargo and passenger (ferry) service on Uganda’s inland waterways
Uganda has 27 airstrips with Entebbe International Airport as the major airport.