Construction of Gulu logistics hub in Uganda is underway Gulu district secretary for works Patrick Kinyera has confirmed.

The US$ 29 million (approximately 107.3 billion shillings) project is being undertaken by Ambitious Construction. The logistics hub will comprise of a dry port with both rail and truck terminals, according to the Independent.

The logistics hub is located on a 54 acres piece of land in Layibi division, Gulu Municipality. The land was allocated by the Uganda Railway Corporation and the project funded by the European Union together with UK`s Department for International Development (DFID) through Trade Mark East Africa (TMA).

Mr Kinyera said that the project is expected to be completed withing eighteen months.

Moses Sabitti, the country director for TMA says that the hub will be able to handle more than 500,000 containers at a time.

Major features of Gulu logistics hub in Uganda will include container freight station, customs clearing site, container holding station, container cleaning and repair station and vehicle holding stations.

He said other services will include tax payment, maintenance and repair, banking, information and communication technology among others. The hub is located adjacent to the current Gulu railway station.

Gulu district chairperson, Martin Ojara Mapenduzi is optimistic that the hub will not only provide job opportunities but also facilitate movement in Uganda through the Northern region by reducing on transport costs, improving efficiency in the movement of goods for farming communities of Northern Uganda.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.