The Ugandan government has been in talks with the intergovernmental organization, the United Nations Alliance for Sustainable Development Goals (UNASDG), to explore funding options for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line from Malaba in the east of the country to the capital, Kampala, local media reported.
Media revealed that President Yoweri Museveni, alongside key government officials such as Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, has engaged in several rounds of talks with UNASDG representatives.
Among the key projects discussed, the SGR has taken center stage, media said. President Museveni reportedly emphasized the SGR's significance as the backbone of the economy during the talks, alongside other priority areas like the development of geothermal power plants.
UNASDG has reportedly offered Uganda a significant financial package of $5 billion to invest in key economic infrastructure sectors such as roads, power, education, health, agriculture, and local government initiatives. Notably, the investment comes with no debt or loans attached.
In addition, UNASDG has proposed collaboration with the government to provide Ugandans with a universal basic income of $160 per month for every adult for a duration of two and a half years, along with plans to establish a regional campus, SDG lab, and financial hub in Kampala, the outlet added.
Last January, Kampala canceled the contract it had awarded to China Harbour and Engineering Company for the construction of the SGR in 2015, and has begun looking for a new contractor for the project.
A senior Ugandan official told the media at the time that Kampala was disappointed by China's reluctance to finance the project.
However, Museveni said in a statement this week that he welcomes China's cooperation in building the railway.