MV Bukungu: Lake Kyoga’s New 300-Person Ferry Unveiled
Lake Kyoga is set to benefit from a new ferry capable of carrying 300 passengers, following a successful technical exercise on August 7, 2024. The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) confirmed that the MV Bukungu passed its flotation test with flying colors. This test, essential for naval safety, ensures that a vessel remains stable and afloat before it begins operations.
UNRA shared the news on social media, stating that the ferry “performed exceptionally well” during the test. The MV Bukungu is designed to link Kaberamaido and Kagwara in the Teso region with Buyende district in the Busoga region. In addition to accommodating over 300 passengers, the ferry can also transport more than 20 vehicles per trip.
The new ferry is a significant addition to Uganda’s water transportation infrastructure, according to UNRA. The project was undertaken by Songoro Marine Transport Ltd and will be available to passengers at no cost once it begins service.
This development follows the recent restoration of services for MV Kyoga 2, one of two ferries previously suspended. UNRA announced on July 31 that attention would now shift to the maintenance of MV Kyoga 1, with the goal of restoring both ferries to full operation. MV Kyoga 1 and MV Kyoga 2 service the Zengebe-Namasale route, connecting Nakasongola to Amolotar district.
UNRA currently operates over ten ferries to address transportation challenges across various islands and water bodies in Uganda. Despite these efforts, a recent government report highlighted a need for additional ferries to fill gaps in transportation, particularly in island regions. The report, produced by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), noted that only three out of seven island districts on Lake Victoria have ferry access. This lack of service impacts access to essential social services like healthcare and education for thousands of residents in districts such as Mukono, Rakai, Mayuge, and Wakiso.
Historically, the first ferry service on Lake Victoria began in 1900 during the British colonial era, starting from the port of Kisumu. The original steamboats have since been replaced by motor ships, some of which continue to operate on the lake today.
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