BUYENDE.
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, has welcomed the commissioning of two long-awaited motor vessels on Lake Kyoga,
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at Bukungu Landing Site in Buyende District, Kadaga said the launch of the vessels marks a historic milestone for communities that have waited more than three decades for improved water transport. The ferries were pledged by President Museveni in 1990.
“I am the happiest person today after the government has fulfilled its pledge. President Museveni made this commitment in 1990, and I am glad it has been realized in our time,” she said.
Kadaga commended former Members of Parliament who initiated and championed the proposal in the 1990s, paying tribute to Henry Balikowa (Budiope), Ibi Ekwau, Elijah Okupa and Veronica Elagu Bikyetero for persistently advocating improved connectivity across the lake.
For years, the absence of a functional ferry service on Lake Kyoga has constrained transport between Buyende District in Busoga sub-region and Serere and Kaberamaido districts in Teso.
Leaders say the commissioning of MV BKK1 and MV BKK2 is expected to significantly ease the movement of people and goods, strengthening trade and social ties between the two sub-regions.
The vessels were officially commissioned by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who represented President Museveni at the event. Nabbanja said the project aligns with the government’s strategy to expand water transport infrastructure under the National Development Plan IV.
“This is part of our deliberate effort to enhance connectivity and unlock economic potential across regions,” she said.
State Minister for Transport Fred Byamukama revealed that the ferries were constructed by Tanzania-based Songolo Marine Transport Limited at a cost of Shs42 billion.
“This is purely government of Uganda funding — not a loan,” Byamukama emphasised.
Each ferry has a seating capacity of 305 passengers and can accommodate up to 450 people when standing. However, authorities will enforce safety regulations by limiting passenger numbers to the approved seated capacity. The vessels can also carry 14 private vehicles, one truck and an ambulance.
Byamukama added that ferry services will be offered free of charge and appealed to the Ministry of Health to deploy medical personnel to support onboard first-aid facilities.
The journey between Kagwara Landing Site in Serere District and Bukungu Landing Site in Buyende District is expected to take approximately one and a half hours, significantly reducing travel time and transport costs.
State Minister for Fisheries and Woman MP for Serere District Hellen Adoa urged youth and women in Buyende, Serere and Kaberamaido to seize emerging business opportunities along the ferry routes.
“This project is a game changer in the socio-economic transformation of this area. Communities must position themselves to benefit through trade and enterprise,” she said.
She also called on government to expedite the tarmacking of connecting roads on both sides of the lake, including Bukungu and Teso, noting that the route now offers the shortest link between Busoga and far eastern and Northern Uganda.
Kaberamaido District Woman MP-elect Jane Frances Amongin Akili welcomed the development, saying it would boost agricultural trade between Teso and Busoga.
“We have a lot of simsim and groundnuts in Kaberamaido. It will now be easier to transport our produce to Busoga, and in return, the people of Busoga can bring potatoes and other agricultural products to our region,” she said.
Leaders from both Busoga and Teso sub-regions expressed optimism that the ferries will deepen socio-economic integration, enhance market access and strengthen regional ties.
After 35 years of anticipation, the operationalisation of ferry services on Lake Kyoga marks a significant milestone in the government’s infrastructure agenda and the realisation of a long-standing commitment to communities in eastern Uganda.