By Eumu Emmanuel
Kaberamaido District, Uganda – August 7, 2024
The much-anticipated MV Bukungu ferry, designed to carry over 300 passengers, has been officially greenlit for operations on Lake Kyoga after successfully passing a crucial technical exercise on Wednesday. The ferry, which is set to connect Kaberamaido and Kagwara in the Teso region to Buyende District in the Busoga region, is a significant boost to Uganda’s water transportation infrastructure.
The Uganda National Road Authority (UNRA) announced the successful completion of the test, known as “flotation,” on its X (formerly Twitter) platform, stating, “Pleased to report that it performed exceptionally well.” This essential naval safety test, a standard in marine engineering, checks a vessel’s ability to remain afloat and stable on the water’s surface before commencing sailing operations.
In addition to carrying passengers, MV Bukungu is also equipped to transport over 20 vehicles per trip. UNRA engineers have expressed confidence that the ferry will significantly enhance transportation on Lake Kyoga.
The project, undertaken by Songoro Marine Transportation Ltd, promises to offer free transportation services to all passengers once operations begin. This development follows closely on the heels of UNRA’s recent restoration of services for MV Kyoga 2, one of the two ferries operating on the Zengebe-Namasale route, which connects Nakasongola to Amolatar District. UNRA has also announced plans to focus on the maintenance of MV Kyoga 1, with the aim of fully restoring both ferries.
UNRA currently operates 10 ferries across the country, continuing its mission to alleviate transportation challenges on Uganda’s islands and numerous water bodies. Uganda’s history with ferry transportation dates back to 1900, when the first-ever ferry on Lake Victoria began operations during the British colonial era. The original steam boats have since been replaced by motor ships, some of which still operate on the lake today.
The launch of MV Bukungu marks a new chapter in Uganda’s water transportation, providing safer, more efficient travel for both passengers and vehicles across Lake Kyoga.
