By Eumu Emmanuel
Amolatar – The Uganda National Road Authority (UNRA) has announced the temporary closure of the Zengebe-Namasale ferry route due to mechanical defects on the Kyoga 1 and Kyoga 2 ferries. Effective July 22, 2024, the route will be closed until August 11, 2024, to facilitate necessary repairs.
According to Mr. John Bosco Ssejemba, Director of Road Infrastructure Protection at UNRA, Kyoga 2 ferry experienced a failure in its power transmission system. Although the required spare parts were sourced abroad and fixed, it was discovered that another component in the lower gearbox also needed replacement. The authority is currently in the process of ordering these parts.
Kyoga 1 ferry, which has been operational, is now experiencing water leakage into several of its pontoons, making it unsafe for continued use. Mr. Ssejemba stated that the ferry must be grounded to rectify the leakages before it can be safely used again.
Given the closure of the Karuma Bridge to heavy trucks and buses, ferry users traveling from Kampala to the Lango sub-region have relied on the ferries. With the temporary closure of the Zengebe-Namasale route, passengers are advised to use the alternative route through Kampala, Mbale, Soroti, Dokolo, and Amolatar.
The notice, dated July 19, 2024, was addressed to the district chairperson of Amolatar Local Government. Mr. Ssejemba emphasized the importance of these repairs to ensure the safe operation of the ferries.
UNRA appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation during this period and will endeavor to complete the repairs promptly to restore regular ferry operations.