TRANSPORT

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja commissioned the newly rehabilitated MV Pamba at Port Bell, Luzira on Thursday (February 10, 2022), ushering in a new chapter of operations following the vessel's restoration.

The vessel had been grounded for 17 years, and now after getting an extreme makeover, will resume commercial routes on the vast waters of Lake Victoria.

PM Nabbanja flagged off its return to the waters at a function attended by high-profile officials in the transport sector, including works and transport minister Gen. Katumba Wamala.

The rehabilitation of MV Pamba after its breakdown was estimated to have cost sh12bn and was undertaken by Mango Tree Group, a Chinese firm. 

Stanley Ssendegeya, the managing director of Uganda Railways Corporation (URC), said the vessel has the capacity to transport 10, 000 tonnes of cargo. 

Already URC has a list of clients ready to utilise the rehabilitated vessel.

URC managing director Stanley Ssendegeya

Works and transport minister Gen. Katumba Wamala was among the high-profile officials that attended the commissioning.

He said MV Pamba will ply between Port Bell, Jinja, Kisumu (Kenya) and Mwanza (Tanzania).

The minister added that the vessel will increase tonnage, with a monthly shipping of 21,000 tonnes of cargo expected, which he said will relieve the pressure on roads.

Katumba said  sea trials - testing phase - were conducted with MP Pamba.

Fan Shuchun, the chairperson of Mango Tree Group, said repairs of Pamba were completed in November last year and tests done last month (January). 

Fan Shuchun (right), the chairperson of Mango Tree Group

The vessel of 24 crew has the capacity to carry 22 wagons. It will be operated by Mengo Tree Group.

URC board chairman Hannington Karuhanga spoke of the vessel's readiness to resume work.

"We are back and we promise we will deliver on both Kisumu and Mwanza routes. The vessel is already loaded," he said.

URC board chairman Hannington Karuhanga

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📸  Take a look at pictures from the commissioning at Port Bell

The moment Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja arrived for the function . . .

Standard operating procedures, including sanitization of hands, were observed at a time when the coronavirus is still lurking around  . . .

Guests attending the function, including Fan Shuchun (blue coat), the chairperson of Mango Tree Group . . .

Works and transport minister Gen. Katumba Wamala . . .

Rwabwogo Businge, general manager of operations at Mukwano Industries (U) Ltd . . .

Minister Wamala said MV Pamba's tonnage will increase . . .

PM Nabbanja hailed the vessels return to the waters . . .

A look at the vessel . . .

The Prime Minister and officials toured the new-look MV Pamba . . .

PM Nabbanja flanked by Mango Tree Group's Fan Shuchun . . .

Cutting the tape to officially mark the resumption to work of MV Pamba . . .

We are back!

The Prime Minister tried out the captain's seat . . .

Plus the boat's wheel . . .

A thumbs-up sign meant all is clear!

And there goes MV Pamba's new chapter . . .

And off she sails!