However, works and transport minister, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, says that vandalism of railway materials has moved away from stealing railway sleepers to cutting the main line, leading to the losses amounting to approximately $1b (UGX3.7 trillion) worth of railway materials to railway vandals, which is a significant injury to the economy. Gen. Katumba says the revival of the route offers a feasible solution to traders with bulk cargo in and out of the country, as rail is known to be an affordable, safe and reliable means of transport. He adds that in the medium term, URC will rehabilitate the MV Pamba ship, improve port facilities, repair and upgrade the existing metre- gauge railway line as well as construct a new Port at Bukasa.