Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) will next week begin a nationwide operation to remove illegal encroachers from railway reserve land as the government moves to clear the way for the rehabilitation and expansion of the railway network.
The operation will begin on October 12, 2026, targeting illegal structures and activities along several railway corridors across the country.
“On 12 October 2026, we are commencing a nationwide removal of all illegal encroachment on URC land,” URC said in a statement.
The corporation said the exercise will cover the Kampala-Ndeeba-Natete-Kyengera-Bujuuko-Kasese, Kampala-Kireka-Namboole-Namanve-Mukono-Jinja-Malaba, Tororo-Gulu-Pakwach, Masindi, Arua and Busoga railway lines.
“Every illegal structure in URC land is slated for demolition,” the corporation said.
URC also warned people holding land titles covering railway reserve land that they will not be spared. The corporation said it will work with the Ministry of Lands to have the affected titles cancelled.
“Owners of titles on URC land will be removed as well, structures demolished and titles cancelled (working with Ministry of Lands),” URC said.
According to the corporation, the operation is intended to create space for planned railway works and future expansion, as well as improve the appearance and safety of railway corridors.
The exercise will also provide space for greening of railway reserves as part of efforts to improve the image of the corridors.
URC said the railway reserve extends 100 feet on either side of the railway line, while at level crossings the reserve extends 70 metres. Larger reserves are maintained around railway stations.
“All residents along these sections should vacate,” URC warned.
The corporation further cautioned that people who resist the eviction exercise will face arrest and prosecution.
“Anyone who resists, we have been guided to arrest and prosecute them,” URC said.
Structures that partly sit on railway reserve land will also be affected.
“Those who have structures that are partly in URC land, we shall demolish those sections too,” the corporation said.
The operation will also target people who use railway corridors as walking routes.
“To all walkers using the railway corridor, we shall also commence arrests. The practice should stop because it puts the walker in danger, displaces the ballast which in turn weakens the lines,” URC said.
The planned eviction follows a Cabinet sitting on September 10, 2026, during which Cabinet approved URC’s proposal to remove encroachers from railway land as part of efforts to create room for the rehabilitation and expansion of Uganda’s railway network.
The exercise is expected to affect residents and businesses operating along some of the country’s major railway corridors as the government moves to restore and expand railway infrastructure.
