After completing a round of military and diplomatic meetings in Beijing, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, set off with his team on a journey that showed them a glimpse of what modern transport can achieve.
Instead of using the road, the General and his delegation boarded one of China’s famous high-speed trains for the nearly 1,200-kilometer trip to the historic city of Xi’an. These sleek “bullet trains” have become a symbol of China’s fast development, moving people across long distances in just a few hours.
As the train glided smoothly at 350 kilometers per hour, Gen Kainerugaba looked out at the wide stretches of Chinese countryside. The journey, which would have taken a full day by road, was done in less than five hours in a quiet, comfortable cabin. Unlike air travel, there was no turbulence and no need for seat belts.
For the General, who has often spoken about his dream of turning Kampala into a modern city free from endless traffic jams, the experience was more than just transport. It was a practical lesson in how infrastructure can change lives. In Uganda, commuters spend hours stuck in traffic, and the country loses about 800 million dollars each year because of delays and wasted time.
On the Chinese train, he saw families traveling with ease, businesspeople working on the move, and a system that carries millions every day without chaos. It was clear evidence of how efficient public transport can boost productivity and growth.
The trip highlighted a powerful message for Uganda. Modern transport is not a luxury but a key requirement for development. Gen Kainerugaba’s journey on the bullet train was not only about moving from one city to another. It was a window into how Uganda’s future could look if the country invests in faster, safer, and more reliable ways of moving its people.
