President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was briefed on the progress of the Bukasa Inland Port development during a meeting held on Friday, February 23, 2024. The update was provided by a delegation from Gauff Engineering, led by Dr. Ulrich Salzer, at State House Entebbe.
Gauff Engineering, established in 1988, has been instrumental in enhancing economic and socio-economic frameworks through infrastructure development across Africa and globally. President Museveni expressed the government’s commitment to supporting Gauff Engineering to ensure the success of the Bukasa Inland Port project, referring to the company as a friend of Uganda.
The Minister for Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, outlined the significance of the Bukasa Inland Port, emphasizing its potential to establish a more cost-effective and efficient transportation system for goods. He highlighted the necessity of such infrastructure not only for Uganda but also for neighboring countries, particularly in light of developments like the Standard Gauge Railway in Tanzania, which could increase containerized cargo traffic.
Gen. Katumba noted that the concept for the port development has been in existence for some time, with Gauff Engineering providing consultancy services. He mentioned the completion of a link road from Namboole to Bukasa as part of the initial phase of the project.
Emmanuel Winyi Mugamba, the Managing Director of Gauff Consultants Uganda Ltd, briefed President Museveni on the features of the port, including a shipyard, industrial park, storage facilities, and railway and road connections. Joern Seitz, the Project Director for Bukasa Port, informed the President about the progress of the project’s first phase, which involved conceptualization, master planning, and road construction. He highlighted the remaining tasks of surcharging and land reclamation to ensure the port’s full functionality.
The meeting was attended by various dignitaries, including Hon. Persis Namuganza, the Minister of State for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Dr. Matthias Schauer, the Ambassador of Germany to Uganda, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, the Attorney General, and Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance.
