ABSTRACT
This study examines the effect of multimodal connectivity on logistics performance for trade in Uganda. Specifically, it seeks to assess the influence of road transport, railway transport, and inland waterways on logistics performance. Despite ongoing infrastructure improvements such as the Kampala–Entebbe Expressway and the rehabilitation of the Northern Corridor, Uganda continues to face significant challenges in its road network. These challenges, particularly the chronic under-maintenance of secondary and feeder roads, remain a major bottleneck to trade expansion (Stewart, 2024).
Across many African countries, road-related logistics costs account for approximately 25–35% of the value of exports, which is considerably higher than in other comparable landlocked nations. Poor road conditions contribute to high accident rates, frequent vehicle breakdowns, unreliable tracking systems, and unpredictable delivery schedules. Although recent digitalization efforts have led to some improvements, their effectiveness remains limited due to weak system integration and enforcement challenges (Stewart, 2024).
The study targets a population of 469 respondents drawn from the Uganda Railways Corporation (URC), the Ministry of Works and Transport, and freight and logistics companies.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Multimodal transport refers to the use of two or more modes of transportation—such as road, rail, air, or water—within a single journey from origin to destination (Makarova et al., 2023). Its primary advantage lies in flexibility, as each transport mode is utilized based on its efficiency, thereby improving overall supply chain performance, reducing transit time, and enhancing sustainability (Kostadinov, 2025).
A related concept is intermodal transport, where goods remain in the same container throughout the journey, eliminating the need for repeated loading and unloading during transfers between modes (Dzemydienė et al., 2021). This system relies on standardized containers that can be efficiently handled using specialized equipment (Tenkir, 2021).
Multimodal connectivity integrates various transport systems—such as rail, inland waterways, air, and road—into a seamless network, forming a critical foundation for efficient global trade (Qixu, 2024). This integration reduces transportation costs, improves reliability, and strengthens supply chain resilience (Umrigar & Pitroda, 2023).
Globally, modern logistics systems rely heavily on containerization, digital tracking technologies, and advanced terminal infrastructure to ensure efficient cargo movement (Vasheghani & Abtahi, 2023). Countries with well-developed multimodal systems consistently achieve higher performance in logistics indicators such as timeliness, infrastructure quality, and international shipments. Large-scale initiatives like China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the European Union’s Trans-European Network highlight the importance of coordinated transport systems in boosting trade and economic competitiveness.
However, many developing countries continue to experience fragmented transport systems, leading to high logistics costs ranging from 15–30% of the value of traded goods (Bevrani, 2018). No single mode of transport can efficiently handle all logistics requirements; therefore, integration is essential. Rail transport is ideal for bulk and long-distance cargo, road transport provides flexibility for short-distance delivery, and air transport ensures speed for high-value goods. When combined, these modes enhance efficiency and overall logistics performance (Wei et al., 2025).
In Africa, multimodal connectivity remains underdeveloped despite its potential to improve intra-African trade and global integration (Wasswa et al., 2023). The continent’s average Logistics Performance Index (LPI) score remains below the global average due to over-reliance on road transport and poor integration between transport modes. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2021, emphasizes the importance of multimodal connectivity in addressing these challenges (Baluch, 2024).
In East and Southern Africa, studies indicate that effective multimodal systems can reduce transport time by 30–50% and logistics costs by 20–25%. Nevertheless, most transport corridors remain dominated by single modes, resulting in congestion, inefficiencies, and high transaction costs (Zajontz et al., 2023).
As a landlocked country, Uganda relies heavily on the Northern and Central Corridors through Kenya and Tanzania. This dependence, combined with limited integration of rail and inland waterways, contributes to high logistics costs, often exceeding 30% of export value (Lugada, 2022). Poor multimodal integration further leads to delays, high freight charges, and reduced competitiveness, particularly affecting the agricultural sector.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Uganda, as a landlocked developing country, depends heavily on efficient multimodal transport systems to access international markets through regional corridors. Despite ongoing infrastructure developments such as the proposed Standard Gauge Railway and improvements in inland water transport, logistics performance in Uganda remains poor. Logistics costs account for 25–35% of the value of imports and exports, among the highest in East Africa (Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 2024).
These high costs reduce Uganda’s competitiveness in regional and global markets and limit the participation of small and medium enterprises in international trade. Existing research has largely focused on individual transport modes or broad trade facilitation issues, with limited attention to integrated multimodal systems within the Ugandan context. This study therefore seeks to address this gap by examining the influence of multimodal connectivity on logistics performance in Uganda.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
- To examine the influence of road transport on logistics performance.
- To assess the influence of railway transport on logistics performance.
- To evaluate the influence of inland waterways on logistics performance.
LITERATURE REVIEW (Summary)
Road transport remains the dominant mode in Uganda but is hindered by poor infrastructure, high costs, and inefficiencies. Railway transport, although cost-effective and environmentally sustainable, faces challenges such as outdated infrastructure and limited operational capacity. Inland waterways offer significant potential for reducing costs and improving sustainability, yet they remain underutilized due to inadequate investment and integration.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (Summary)
The study adopts a pragmatic research paradigm using a mixed-methods approach. A concurrent parallel design will combine both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Data will be gathered through questionnaires, interviews, and document reviews from key institutions, including URC, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and NEMA.
A sample size of 221 respondents will be selected using stratified, random, and purposive sampling techniques. Quantitative data will be analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative data will be analyzed using NVIVO.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS (Summary)
The study will adhere to ethical standards set by Makerere University, ensuring voluntary participation, informed consent, confidentiality, and data security. Participants will have the right to withdraw at any stage without consequences.
CONCLUSION (Summary)
This study aims to provide insights into how improved multimodal connectivity can enhance logistics performance in Uganda. By addressing infrastructure gaps and integration challenges, Uganda can reduce logistics costs, improve trade efficiency, and strengthen its competitiveness in regional and global markets.
