UNRA suspends Kiyindi-Buvuma ferry services again

Kiyindi-Buvuma ferry afte docking at Kirongo landing site in Buvuma District recently. PHOTOS BY DERICK KISSA

What you need to know:

  • Following complaints from passengers, UNRA early this year introduced new guidelines for the users.

Ferry services on Kiyindi ferry connecting Buikwe and Buvuma districts on Lake Victoria have been suspended.
Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) said on Friday that the services were temporarily halted following a defect in the ferry's flotation structure.
“Repairs are to be conducted from November 16 – November 24, 2019. We regret the inconvenience caused,” reads part of a statement shared by Unra's media relations manager, Mr Allan Ssempebwa.
This is the second time the ferry’s services are being suspended this year.

Passengers rest under a fuel truck on board the overloaded Kiyindi-Buvuma ferry recently

In February this year, UNRA temporally halted the ferry services to conduct an emergency repair.
The ferry has since September last year been in a sorry state, sometimes failing to support the weight of the load it carries.
Following complaints from passengers, UNRA early this year introduced new guidelines for the users.

In the new guidelines, UNRA reduced the number of travelers from 300 to 120 on each trip, introduced security checks for all travelers and goods and that all the vehicles that use the ferry must be in good condition and licensed.
A team of UNRA officials led by the Kiyindi-Buvuma Ferry Master, MrJohn Paul Ssemugga presented the new guidelines to Buvuma District Officials in February this year.
Mr Ssemugga explained that the guidelines were meant to ensure the safety of travelers.