As the construction of Uganda’s Maritime Training Centre nears completion, a groundbreaking initiative is poised to revolutionize water transport safety in the region. Located at the Fisheries Training Institute in Entebbe, this state-of-the-art facility, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) with a budget of $.1.45 million, aims to offer comprehensive maritime safety and survey training for water transport users.
This visionary facility will play a pivotal role in building the capacity of vessel operators navigating both inland water bodies and oceans. Beyond benefiting Uganda, the centre is designed to positively impact all East African Community (EAC) member states, fostering a collective commitment to enhancing maritime safety.
The recent Annual Integrated Transport Infrastructure and Services (ITIS) program review workshop at Speke Resort Munyonyo highlighted the significant progress in the maritime industry. However, State Minister for Works, Musa Ecweru, emphasized the need for increased funding allocation to further support water transport initiatives.
The Maritime Training Centre, identified by the maritime administration department in the Ministry of Works and Transport, is set to train representatives from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the Uganda Police, and the private sector. This specialized training aims to equip participants with professional skills, ensuring safe water transport across national navigable waters.
Henry Ategeka, the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) Maritime project coordinator, emphasized the transformative impact of the institute, marking a key milestone in improving maritime safety within the East African Community. Anticipated to be completed in December, the facility boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including a marine training swimming pool, a bridge simulator for marine navigation and engineering training, well-equipped laboratories, and a medical first aid facility.
Key features also include a community jetty, a slipway with a capacity of 5-10 tonne vessels, and a boat maintenance workshop for repairing vessels. Ategeka highlighted the facility’s potential to provide essential skills to local boat builders, seamen, and fishermen, contributing significantly to improving maritime safety within Lake Victoria and other inland water bodies.
