Nearly a week has passed since the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) decided to suspend operations of the ferry connecting Obongi and Adjumani districts, effective February 14, 2024. The reason cited for this temporary suspension was to mitigate potential safety risks, according to UNRA.
The suspension of ferry services left passengers stranded and prompted them to seek alternative routes, as the access road to the Sinyanya ferry landing was flooded due to rising water levels in the River Nile. This situation posed challenges for commuters who relied on the ferry for transportation between the two districts.
UNRA has reassured the public that their technical teams are actively monitoring the situation. Plans are in place to intervene at the affected section once the water levels stabilize, ensuring a safe passage for commuters.
Allan Ssempebwa, the UNRA Communications Officer, addressed the issue during an interview with Arua One FM, providing updates and information regarding the ongoing suspension of ferry operations.
In the interim, affected ferry users are advised to utilize the Laropi ferry, which operates along the River Nile between Moyo and Adjumani districts, as an alternative route. However, this alternative route may not be feasible for all commuters, leading to inconvenience for some.
James Leku Pili, a former chairperson of Adjumani district and a regular user of the Obongi Ferry, has expressed concerns about the situation. He has called for the tarmacking of the road from Adjumani town to Sinyanya landing site, emphasizing the need for a more reliable transportation infrastructure in the area.
Pili highlights the recurring issue of the road being damaged whenever the nearby River Zoka overflows its banks and floods the road. He advocates for long-term solutions to address the vulnerability of transportation routes in the region, ensuring safer and more reliable passage for commuters in the future.
