Uganda is experiencing a historic wave of infrastructure and industrial development that is reshaping its economy and positioning the country as a rising powerhouse in East Africa. Backed by government-led initiatives, public–private partnerships, and international financiers such as the World Bank and African Development Bank, these projects span transport, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, sports, and urban development.
Below are 20 massive development projects transforming Uganda in 2026, each playing a critical role in economic growth, job creation, and regional integration.
20. Kampala–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR)
The Kampala–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is one of Uganda’s most ambitious transport projects. It is designed to connect Uganda’s rail network to Kenya’s SGR at the Malaba border, creating a seamless corridor to the Port of Mombasa, one of Africa’s busiest ports.
Once completed, the electric-powered railway will drastically reduce cargo transport costs and improve passenger travel time, supporting regional trade under the East African Community (EAC) integration framework.
19. East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is a landmark energy project that will transport crude oil from Uganda’s oil fields in Hoima to the Tanzanian port of Tanga. Spanning over 1,400 kilometers, it will be the world’s longest heated crude oil pipeline.
The pipeline is expected to move over 216,000 barrels of oil per day, unlocking Uganda’s oil exports and generating billions in revenue.
18. National Water Supply and Sanitation Projects
Uganda is investing heavily in water and sanitation infrastructure to improve public health and urban living standards. With funding from institutions such as the World Bank, major projects are underway in cities including Kampala, Gulu, Jinja, Mbale, Hoima, and Arua.
These initiatives are reducing waterborne diseases while expanding access to clean drinking water in both urban and rural communities.
17. Mukono Roads Urban Rehabilitation Project
The Mukono Roads Urban Rehabilitation Project is modernizing road infrastructure in one of Uganda’s fastest-growing municipalities. Implemented by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), the project upgrades key roads from gravel to paved standards.
It includes drainage systems, pedestrian walkways, street lighting, and traffic safety features, significantly improving urban mobility.
16. Kabaale Gas and Industrial Park Project
Located in Hoima District, the Kabaale Gas and Industrial Park is central to Uganda’s oil and gas value chain. The project will process natural gas from the Albertine Graben for use in fertilizer production, LPG bottling, petrochemicals, and power generation.
The park supports downstream industrialization linked to Uganda’s oil discoveries.
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15. Ituka Solar Power Station
The Ituka Solar Power Station in Namaingo District, near Lake Victoria, is a renewable energy project with an installed capacity of about 20 MW. It supports Uganda’s clean energy transition while reducing dependence on expensive thermal power (International Renewable Energy Agency).
14. Bussega–Mpigi Expressway
The Bussega–Mpigi Expressway is a major road infrastructure project aimed at easing congestion on the busy Kampala–Masaka highway, one of Uganda’s most important trade corridors.
The project improves access to western Uganda and supports regional commerce, with backing from international lenders such as the African Development Bank.
13. Pro Industries Ethanol Plant
The Pro Industries Ethanol Plant in Bussega processes molasses and sugar by-products into fuel-grade ethanol. The project supports Uganda’s fuel blending policy while reducing fuel imports and carbon emissions.
12. Devki Steel Plant – Jinja Industrial Park
The Devki Steel Plant, located in Jinja Industrial Park, is strengthening Uganda’s construction and manufacturing sector. Developed by the Devki Group, the plant produces steel products using recycled scrap metal.
This investment positions Uganda as a competitive steel producer in East Africa.
11. Isimba Hydropower Project
Built on the Victoria Nile, the Isimba Hydropower Project has an installed capacity of 183 MW. It plays a critical role in stabilizing Uganda’s electricity supply and supporting industrial growth.
10. Presidential Skilling Hub Projects
The Presidential Skilling Hubs are vocational training centers established across Uganda to equip young people with practical skills in engineering, ICT, construction, agriculture, and renewable energy (State House Uganda).
The initiative directly supports employment creation and industrialization.
9. Hoima City Stadium
The Hoima City Stadium, with a capacity of about 20,000 seats, is one of the venues prepared for AFCON 2027, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania (Confederation of African Football).
The stadium boosts sports tourism and regional visibility.
8. Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park
The Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park is a manufacturing hub developed through cooperation between Uganda and Chinese investors. It hosts industries in textiles, pharmaceuticals, electronics, metals, and agro-processing (Uganda–China cooperation overview).
7. Nyagak III Hydropower Project
The Nyagak III Hydropower Project in Zombo District adds about 6.6 MW to Uganda’s grid, improving electricity reliability in northwestern Uganda.
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6. Depura Agroteca Cassava Processing Factory
The Depura Agroteca Processing Factory adds value to cassava by producing industrial starch, flour, animal feed, and ethanol by-products. The project supports farmers and reduces post-harvest losses (FAO Uganda).
5. Uganda–South Sudan Power Transmission Project
This cross-border transmission line enables Uganda to export surplus electricity to South Sudan, strengthening regional power trade under the East African Power Pool (World Bank energy projects).
4. Day Biopharma Pharmaceutical Industry
The Day Biopharma Project in Wakiso District aims to establish a world-class pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing ecosystem in Uganda. It will produce mRNA vaccines, insulin, biologics, and generics meeting WHO standards (World Health Organization).
3. Karuma Hydropower Project
The Karuma Hydropower Project is Uganda’s largest power facility, with a capacity of 600 MW. It is a cornerstone of the country’s long-term energy and industrial strategy.
2. Akii-Bua Stadium Project
Named after Olympic champion John Akii-Bua, this stadium in Lira City is being developed to international standards as part of Uganda’s AFCON 2027 preparations
1. Kapeeka Industrial Park
The Kapeeka Industrial Park, developed by the Uganda Investment Authority, hosts industries in steel, food processing, pharmaceuticals, plastics, textiles, and logistics. The park has created thousands of jobs and accelerated rural industrialization
Conclusion
These 20 massive development projects highlight Uganda’s rapid transformation across infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and human capital development. Together, they are redefining Uganda’s economic future and strengthening its role within East Africa.