Zengebe-Namasale Ferry Service Resumes After Maintenance
The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has announced that ferry services on the Zengebe-Namasale route will resume on July 31, 2024. This follows successful sea trials of the MV Kyoga 2, one of the ferries recently suspended for repairs. According to UNRA, this restoration allows for focused maintenance on MV Kyoga 1.
MV Kyoga 2 and its counterpart MV Kyoga 1 were withdrawn from service on July 22, 2024, due to mechanical defects that posed safety concerns. This suspension disrupted travel in several districts, including Nakasongola and Amolatar, as well as neighboring areas like Kaberamaido and Dokolo.
During the ferry’s downtime, passengers were advised to take an alternative road route through Kampala, Mbale, Soroti, Dokolo, and Amolatar. This detour was significantly more costly and less convenient.
UNRA manages over ten ferries aimed at easing transportation challenges across various islands and water bodies in Uganda. Despite this, a recent government report highlights the need for additional ferries to address transportation issues, particularly in island districts.
The report, produced by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) in their Annual Report on the State of Equal Opportunities in Uganda for 2021/2022, reveals that only three of the seven island districts on Lake Victoria have access to ferry services. This lack of access impacts essential services like healthcare and education, affecting the quality of life for many residents.
Historically, the first ferry on Lake Victoria was introduced in 1900 during the British colonial era, initially operating from the port of Kisumu. Over time, the original steamboats were replaced by motor ships, some of which continue to operate on the lake.
