MV Kalangala which plies the Lutoboka–Nakiwogo route on Lake Victoria, is set to resume operations on Wednesday after a month out of service to undergo maintenance. 

The vessel developed mechanical problems on February 25^, 2023, and passengers were forced to disembark at the Lutoboka docking pier and find alternatives to leave Kalangala. 

Ahead of its return, the ferry’s operators have maintained transport fares to and from Kalangala at sh10,000 and sh14,000.  

Nation Oil Distributors Limited (NODIL) which operates the vessel on behalf of the Government, in a statement dated March 3, 2023, said the vessel will start its voyage from Nakiwogo on Wednesday at 2:00 pm. 

“Our fares are still the same and we appeal to our customers to adhere to all security measures and medical checkups on both piers of Port Alice Nakiwogo and Lutoboka,” the statement reads. 

MV Kalangala’s return will boost the tourism and hospitality industry that relies on passenger traffic from the vessel. 

The vessel is expected to change its schedule ahead of Easter celebrations from one return trip a day to three trips a day so as to accommodate the increasing number of passengers that frequent Kalangala’s leisure spots. 

Cornely Mujwahuzi, the vessel’s captain, told New Vision that they will communicate a change of schedule to islanders and passengers after receiving confirmation from the Ministry of Works and Transport, which authorises such changes. 

“We are ready to serve islanders starting tomorrow but those with vehicles should book in time to avoid inconveniences resulting from late bookings,” said Mujwahuzi. 

The vessel departs from Kalangala at 8:00 am on a daily basis and docks at Nakiwogo by 11:30 am before departing Nakiwogo at 2:00 pm to dock in Kalangala by 5:30 pm.