museum review of
Uganda national railway museum - Jinja
National Railway Museum of Uganda – A Small But Passionate Tribute to Uganda’s Railway Heritage
If you’re searching for railway museums in Africa or looking to explore the history of Uganda Railways, the National Railway Museum of Uganda in Jinja is a unique stop worth considering. Located inside Jinja Railway Station, this museum may not be the largest, nor does it house an extensive collection of historic locomotives, but it tells an inspiring story of Uganda’s railways—both past and future.
A Small Museum with a Big Heart
The Uganda Railway Museum opened in 2022 to educate visitors about the political, social, and economic impact of the country’s historic railway system. While antique rolling stock is absent, the museum excels in storytelling. It takes you on a journey through the construction of the Uganda Railways, part of the infamous Lunatic Express, built during British colonial rule at an immense human cost. Over 2,500 Indian workers lost their lives, while the African laborers who also suffered were not even counted.
One of the most thought-provoking exhibits is the connection between Uganda’s Indian community and the railway. Indian laborers played a crucial role in constructing the railway, and decades later, their forced expulsion by Idi Amin in the 1970s marked the beginning of the decline of Uganda’s railway network.
Jinja Railway Station – A Symbol of Revival
Jinja Station was once a bustling hub on the Mombasa-Kampala railway, but passenger services have been absent since the 1990s. However, in recent years, Uganda’s railway is making a slow but hopeful comeback. Freight trains have resumed cargo transport between Uganda and Kenya, and there’s even a small passenger train operating between Kampala and Namanve.
Even though the museum lacks historic locomotives, Jinja Station is still an active railway yard, allowing visitors to see newly purchased locomotives in operation—a rare experience in a railway museum. This makes it a museum of hope, showcasing the renaissance of Ugandan Railways rather than just a memorial to the past.
Is It Worth the Visit?
For railway enthusiasts, the €5 ($5) entrance fee may seem steep for the limited exhibits, but the enthusiastic staff and well-presented history make it a rewarding visit. If you are fascinated by African railway history, the story of colonial-era infrastructure, or the future of rail transport in Uganda, this museum is worth adding to your itinerary.
6 locomotives for encouragement!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check out the small gift shop before you leave!
If you’re searching for railway museums in Africa or looking to explore the history of Uganda Railways, the National Railway Museum of Uganda in Jinja is a unique stop worth considering. Located inside Jinja Railway Station, this museum may not be the largest, nor does it house an extensive collection of historic locomotives, but it tells an inspiring story of Uganda’s railways—both past and future.
A Small Museum with a Big Heart
The Uganda Railway Museum opened in 2022 to educate visitors about the political, social, and economic impact of the country’s historic railway system. While antique rolling stock is absent, the museum excels in storytelling. It takes you on a journey through the construction of the Uganda Railways, part of the infamous Lunatic Express, built during British colonial rule at an immense human cost. Over 2,500 Indian workers lost their lives, while the African laborers who also suffered were not even counted.
One of the most thought-provoking exhibits is the connection between Uganda’s Indian community and the railway. Indian laborers played a crucial role in constructing the railway, and decades later, their forced expulsion by Idi Amin in the 1970s marked the beginning of the decline of Uganda’s railway network.
Jinja Railway Station – A Symbol of Revival
Jinja Station was once a bustling hub on the Mombasa-Kampala railway, but passenger services have been absent since the 1990s. However, in recent years, Uganda’s railway is making a slow but hopeful comeback. Freight trains have resumed cargo transport between Uganda and Kenya, and there’s even a small passenger train operating between Kampala and Namanve.
Even though the museum lacks historic locomotives, Jinja Station is still an active railway yard, allowing visitors to see newly purchased locomotives in operation—a rare experience in a railway museum. This makes it a museum of hope, showcasing the renaissance of Ugandan Railways rather than just a memorial to the past.
Is It Worth the Visit?
For railway enthusiasts, the €5 ($5) entrance fee may seem steep for the limited exhibits, but the enthusiastic staff and well-presented history make it a rewarding visit. If you are fascinated by African railway history, the story of colonial-era infrastructure, or the future of rail transport in Uganda, this museum is worth adding to your itinerary.
6 locomotives for encouragement!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check out the small gift shop before you leave!