By Joseph Kiggundu
President Yoweri Museveni will today, Friday, February 20, 2026, commission two newly constructed Lake Kyoga ferries worth Shs42 billion at Bukungu Landing Site in Buyende District, in a significant boost to water transport and regional trade.
The ferries, built by Songoro Marine Transport of Tanzania and funded by the Government of Uganda, will strengthen connectivity between Busoga and Teso sub-regions, particularly linking Buyende District to Amuria and Kaberamaido districts.
According to the Ministry of Works and Transport, each ferry has a carrying capacity of 170 tonnes, accommodating one 56-tonne truck, up to 14 small vehicles and 310 passengers per trip.
The Bukungu crossing is a critical transport corridor on Lake Kyoga, long relied upon by traders, farmers and passengers moving goods between eastern and northeastern Uganda.
Residents say the new vessels will significantly reduce travel time, improve safety and ease the movement of agricultural produce and merchandise between the two regions.
Nyadundo Alibo Mathais, the mayor of Bukungu Town Council, described the commissioning as a milestone for the area. “We have been struggling to reach Teso sub-region, but now these ferries will help us reach the place easily,” he told this publication
Local businessman Emmanuel Sseguja Kabenge said the project will stimulate cross-regional trade. “We thank President Museveni and the NRM government for these ferries. We are now connected to Teso, which is going to make our trading easier,” he said.
Call for Road Upgrade
Despite the excitement, residents urged government to fast-track the tarmacking of the Kamuli–Bukungu road to maximise the economic benefits of the new water transport system.
The commissioning underscores government’s broader infrastructure agenda aimed at expanding water transport services, enhancing regional integration and lowering the cost of doing business.