Uganda Embassy in Berlin Engages ŠKODA Group on Railway Development

On July 23, 2025, Amb. Danny Ssozi, Deputy Head of Mission at the Uganda Embassy, Berlin, met Mr. Henrik Orrling, Vice President for Business Development at SKODA Group Headquarters in Plzen, Czech Republic.

SKODA Transportation is a leading European manufacturer of public transport vehicles, with its headquarters in Pilsen, Czech Republic. The company specializes in the development and production of electric locomotives components, coaches, metro trains, trams, and trolleybuses. Skoda is renowned for its rich tradition, engineering innovation, and commitment to sustainable urban mobility.

The visit, facilitated by Mr. Radek Jakubský, Vice President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce, Prague, took place under the Uganda Embassy Berlin’s Economic and Commercial Diplomacy promotion programme and was intended to interest SKODA in the possible manufacture of rail auxiliary services and locomotives. The Uganda Embassy Berlin is accredited to the Czech Republic.

The meeting focused on discussions about possible renovation and upgrade of Uganda’s passenger railway infrastructure to support a fast-growing, modern economy. The Embassy team presented the opportunity to build additional maintenance and training facilities for Uganda’s railway sector that offers a wide range of services that comply with the latest standards of safety and comfort. The visiting Embassy team was given a guided tour of ŠKODA’s factory and production lines, displaying their state-of-the-art technologies and innovations.

Amb. Ssozi extended an invitation to SKODA Transportation International for an assessment visit to Uganda. Both sides agreed to the signing of an MoU under which framework, discussions could proceed.  In attendance on the Czech side were Mr. Ing. Vlastimil Vaclavik – Government Relations Director, Mr.  Antonio Alamar Galan – Business Development Director, Mr. Radek Jakubský. The Uganda Delegation included Ms. Jessica Namuddu, Third Secretary, Mr. Ronald Mutebi Commercial Diplomacy assistant, and Mr. Kian Klauss, a consultant.