Construction of Shs41b Buyende ferry nears completion

The construction of the MV Bukungu, a ferry connecting Buyende and Kaberamaido, is nearing completion. The ferry, which has been under construction since 2022, has been stationed at Bukungu landing site in Buyende District.

"We are waiting for its commissioning," said Mr Saidi Sempala Atuma, Assistant Office Administrator at Songoro Marine Transport Ltd, the Tanzanian-based company contracted to construct the ferry. "Most of the work is already accomplished, to 99 per cent."

The ferry has a capacity to carry over 300 passengers, more than 20 vehicles per trip, and 2 trailers, depending on their load level. 
"This will be a great game changer for the transportation infrastructure of the area," Mr Sempala said.

The ferry has modern handling facilities, including a standby boat for rescue services in case of emergencies. 
"It's our responsibility to protect passengers’ lives in case of any eventualities," Mr Sempala said. "We have now put in place a standby boat to rescue those who may drown accidentally."

The ferry will be available at no cost to passengers travelling from Bukungu to Kaberamaido in the Teso sub-region.

Stakeholders hail the project

The Bukungu town Council LCII Chairperson, Mr Mathias Aribo Nyadundo, hailed the government for building the ferry, which he said would solve the problem of high transport costs by people who have been using the long route to Teso sub-region.

"The ferry will provide a vital link for communities around Lake Kyoga," Mr Nyadundo said. "Even trade between the communities of Teso and Busoga will be boosted because of affordable and safer water transport."

Mr Aloysius Nyenje, a businessman dealing in Kasana soft drinks, noted that the ferry will go a long way to reduce transportation charges slapped onto them by transporters.

Mr Godfrey Mpanuka, a taxi driver, said the ferry is expected to reduce travel time. "It has been quite expensive passing via Mbale before connecting to Teso in monetary terms," Mr Mpanuka said. "It is a sign of relief. The distance will be reduced by almost 70 per cent compared to the long distance we have been going through."

Call for further development

The Buyende LCV chairperson, Mr Michael Kanaku, said although the ferry has come, the President needs to fulfil the pledges he made to tarmac some roads in the area.

"We are happy that the ferry has come, but we also need good roads to facilitate the movement of people and goods," Mr. Kanaku said.