KISUMU, Kenya — Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has called for renewed urgency in Africa’s development agenda, warning that complacency remains one of the continent’s biggest obstacles despite its vast economic potential.
Speaking during the launch of Phase 2C of the Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kisumu, Museveni urged African nations to accelerate infrastructure development and deepen regional integration to unlock sustainable growth.
“The problem with Africa is sleeping; we love sleeping, but we are slowly waking up,” Museveni said, calling on both leaders and citizens to embrace transformative initiatives that promote shared prosperity.
He described the railway project as a historic milestone, encouraging attendees to appreciate its significance in shaping the continent’s future.
“History will say my grandmother was also here when Africa was waking up,” he said, highlighting the symbolic importance of the project in Africa’s broader development journey.
Infrastructure as a catalyst for growth
Museveni emphasised that large-scale infrastructure projects such as the SGR are essential in linking economies, reducing transport costs, and boosting intra-African trade.
He noted that improved connectivity across East Africa would enhance competitiveness and support industrial growth.
The Kisumu–Malaba railway forms part of a wider regional plan to connect the Port of Mombasa to Uganda and other landlocked countries, strengthening the Northern Corridor as a key trade route.
Analysts say the corridor handles a significant share of regional cargo, with a large proportion destined for Uganda and neighbouring markets, underscoring the strategic importance of rail connectivity in reducing reliance on road transport.
Ruto highlights Kenya’s progress
William Ruto responded to Museveni’s remarks by asserting that Kenya has already made notable progress in its development agenda, although challenges remain.
“We in Kenya woke up a long time ago. We still have a few who are still asleep, and we have told them to stop sleeping,” Ruto said in light remarks.
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He stressed the importance of regional unity, noting that closer cooperation between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania would accelerate economic transformation across East Africa.
“We want to unite so that we move forward together so that when our country joins together with Tanzania and Uganda, we are able to transform our economies, employment opportunities, increase wealth and decrease poverty,” Ruto added.
Regional integration in focus
The exchange between the two leaders reflects a growing emphasis on infrastructure-led development and cross-border collaboration as drivers of economic progress in the region.
Leaders attending the event underscored the role of joint projects such as the SGR in enhancing trade corridors, improving connectivity, and positioning East Africa as a competitive logistics hub.
Once completed, the railway is expected to significantly reduce transit times and costs, supporting trade flows between coastal and inland economies and strengthening regional economic integration under frameworks such as the East African Community (EAC).
