Bukungu-Kagwara-Kaberamaido ferries set for commissioning, bring hope to residents

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The long-awaited MV Bukungu-Kagwara-Kaberamaido (BKK) ferries are now ready to link the regions of Busoga, Lango, and Teso, making transport across Lake Kyoga easier, supporting businesses, and helping communities transition to the money economy.

The ferries are expected to revitalise and connect the areas of Bukungu, Kaberamaido and Kagwara (Serere district) in Eastern Uganda, turning them into thriving economic hubs.

Over five decades since the defunct ferry, popularly known as “Laita,” was last seen, communities have struggled with high transport costs, boat accidents, and property losses due to strong winds.

Now that the two ferries worth shillings 41 billion are ready for commissioning by President Museveni at Bukungu landing site in Buyende district on February 20, 2026, all transport-related challenges will become history.

The long-awaited MV Bukungu-Kagwara-Kaberamaido (BKK) ferries are now ready to link the regions of Busoga, Lango, and Teso, making transport across Lake Kyoga easier. (Photo by Tom Gwebayanga)

Speaking to the media on February 17, 2026, the Minister for Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, revealed that the long wait is over.

“All is set. The ferries are to start navigations come Friday, February 20, 2026,” she said.

The ferries’ construction was funded by the Government of Uganda and implemented by the now-defunct Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), with the Tanzania-based Songoro Marine Transport Ltd as the contractor.

The work was accomplished in 2024, and since then, due to technical and logistical challenges, the vessels have been idle at Bukungu Landing Site, raising public concern.

Babalanda said travellers shall sail on the ferries with their luggage free of charge.

According to Songoro Marine Transport Ltd assistant office administrator Saidi Sempala Atuma, each ferry has the capacity to carry over 300 passengers, more than 20 vehicles and two trailers per trip.

“This will be a great game changer for the transportation infrastructure of the area,’’ he said, adding that the ferries shall sail in turns from Busoga to Lango and Teso 12 hours a day.

From Friday onwards, travellers from Busoga, Lango and Teso regions who use the long Mbale-Iganga route will have an alternative.

Babalanda said the ferries are part of the gains which the National Resistance Movement (NRM) regime has brought to ease transport and support communities to immigrate to money economy.

The BKK Ferries join the two others that ply Masindi port to Waituba landing site in Apac district, then the Zengebe ferry that docks at Namasale landing site in Amolatar district.

Stakeholders speak out

Bukungu town council LC2 chairperson Mathias Aribo Nyadundo hailed the Government for the ferries, saying it shall solve the challenge of high transport costs.

“The ferries will boost trade, tourism, and overall mobility in the regions, contributing to the infrastructure and socio-economic development of Uganda,’’ he said.

Aloysius Nyenje, a businessman dealing in Kasana soft drinks and other beverages, said the ferry will go a long way to reduce transport costs and turn out to be an economic game changer.

Godfrey Mpanuka, a taxi driver who plans to ferry passengers from Busoga to the northern region, said the ferries will reduce travel time.

Mpanuka has, over the years, used the long Mbale-Soroti route to reach Teso.

"It has been quite expensive passing via Mbale before connecting to Teso. It is a sign of relief,’’ Mpanuka said. 

“The distance will be reduced by almost 70 per cent compared to what we have been going through.’’

Fulfil tarmacking pledge

Buyende LC5 chairperson Michael Kanaku said although the ferries have come, the President should fulfil the pledge he made to tarmac the 70km Kamuli-Bukungu road.

“The ferries, then the proposed Nuclear Plant at Kasaato Hill near Bukungu landing site, qualify Kamuli-Bukungu road to be a highway,” Kanaku said.

Boost for the agriculture sector, tourism

Assistant Buyende Resident District Commissioner Emma Segujja Kabenge said the ferries shall add value to the agriculture sector, as farmers and the business folk shall use the ferries to transport produce to better markets.

“With Dei-Pharma’s cassava processing plant in Kamuli district, transporting tubers from Teso and Lango regions shall ease,” Kabenge said. 

Former Budiope West MP Robert Musoke is happy that the efforts he made in pressing the Government and Parliament for the ferries have yielded fruit.

“The ferry will boost trade, tourism, and overall mobility in the region, contributing to the infrastructure and socio-economic development of Uganda,’’ Musoke said.