Uganda
Branch Lines
East
African Railways and Harbours
Kampala to Kasese
A 13 ClassTank propels a caboose through Kampala Low Level (left), while a 31 Class backs on to a boxcar (right). The main station building can just be discerned at the extreme right of the above photograph. PHOTOs H Dodge
An unmistakable 60 Class runs through the suburbs of Kampala with Train Number 89 Up all-Classes mixed passenger-goods for Kasese. This train ran on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing Kampala at 1805 and scheduled to arrive Kasese at 0850 the following morning having called at all 15 intermediate stations. Behind the boxcar is the only 2nd Class coach which is followed by the only First Class one. Behind the first class coach came the restaurant car. PHOTOs Harry Dodge.
The overcast morning is typical and a view of the Ruwenzoris was not guaranteed. Spectacular when they were visible, their mass very much signalled the western extremity of the system.
A 60 Class Garratt leads its mixed passenger-freight into Kasese. PHOTO - Harry Dodge
There was a daily overnight service between Kampala and Kasese, but First and Second Class accommodation was only provided to connect with Mail Trains between Kampala and Nairobi.
Morning arrival at Kasese. The Third Class coaches of Train Number 91 (Third Class only, mixed passenger freight) are already deserted, and as the Garratt sets off for the Shed, you can almost smell the blue exhaust from the oil-fired furnace. PHOTOs - H Dodge
The 60 Class Garratt, having detached from its train, makes its way to Kasese's small servicing shed in the shadow of the Ruwenzoris - the legendary Mountains of the Moon. It will depart with return working, Train Number 92 down at 1640, scheduled to arrive Kampala at 0820 the following morning. PHOTOS - H Dodge.
Crossing the Dura River Swamp (left) on the 209 mile Kampala to Kasese line which was opened on 23 November 1956 by the Governor of Uganda, Sir Andrew Cohen - PHOTO Geoffrey Parsons. The sign is a Momentum Board, which refers to the opposing gradient being steeper than the ruling gradient. The figures mean that the driver should achieve a speed of 18 mph at a distance of 4 furlongs (8 half furlongs) from the sign. The loco (left) that was involved in the tragic accident outside Kampala - 6025 Sir Henry Colville - still complete with name plates at Kasese, the rail head on the Western Uganda Extension. The repair took just over 3 months. This line is now completely abandoned and left to its fate. PHOTO
- A J Hudson
The train is seen arriving at Kasese - the "defaced" blue ensigns are the official flags of the East African Railways and Harbours.
The second coach back from the locomotive is a special vehicle which may have formed part of the "royal" train stock used by visiting royals and colonial governors of the time.
PHOTO - EAR&H Magazine, December 1956
Mbulamuti to Namasagali - Masindi Port, Masindi and Butiaba
Until the early sixties the main line from Jinja ran to Tororo via Mbulamuti which was the Junction for Namasagali. Loading cotton (left) at Namasagali which was the railhead from where steamers departed for Masindi Port - see below - PHOTOs EAR&H 1955-6 Magazines
Soroti Station was on the branch from Tororo to Lira via Gulu. A 60 Class arrives with a passenger train (left). Busy time in the yard at Soroti while 60 Class appears to be mustering its mixed passenger freight train (right) - PHOTOs EAR&H Magazine
A 60 Class with a passenger train at Bukidea.
PHOTO EAR&H Magazine