Museveni can’t stop boasting to Ugandans after Uhuru gave him chance for SGR ride

Uganda President Yoweri Museveni can’t wait to ride the Madaraka Express from Mombasa to Nairobi if his statement is anything to go by.

The Ugandan leader will make the 441km journey on Thursday. Museveni arrived in Kenya on Wednesday on a two-day official visit and held talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Mombasa.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and H.E. President @KagutaMuseveni of the Republic of Uganda lead their respective delegations in bilateral talks at State House, Mombasa. The two countries 🇰🇪🇺🇬are keen on deepening ties in areas of mutual interest and benefit.#KenyaUgandaRelations pic.twitter.com/bGGwNP5x3y

— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) March 27, 2019

The two heads of state later addressed a press briefing and were also expected to tour the Port of Mombasa.

“You (President Kenyatta) have given me the honour of being the first President to ride on the new railway. I will put it in my album and show it to all the Ugandans,” said Museveni.

Arrived in Mombasa, Kenya this morning for a three-day state visit on the invitation of His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta. Our discussions will focus on how to strengthen our countries' political, social and economic ties. pic.twitter.com/yikQgEOnU1

— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) March 27, 2019

Museveni’s railway trip is seen by analysts as a move by Kenya to lure Ugandan business people to transport their goods via the newly built railway line which currently links Mombasa to Nairobi, and is expected to eventually connect Mombasa to Kampala via the border town of Malaba.

President @KagutaMuseveni of the Republic of Uganda 🇺🇬accorded full State Reception including a Guard of Honour mounted by a detachment of the Kenya Navy and a 21-gun salute upon arrival at the Moi International Airport, Mombasa 🇰🇪for a 2-day State Visit#KenyaUgandaRelations pic.twitter.com/lZ2U8uQBwk

— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) March 27, 2019

Kenya is also keen on enticing Uganda to build its SGR from the border to Kampala.

Uganda is the main Mombasa port user compared to other landlocked countries in the nation.

Built by the Chinese in 2016 at a cost of Sh450 billion, the Standard Gauge Railway is Kenya’s most expensive infrastructure project since independence with the aim of offering quicker and cheaper transport alternatives.