News
MV NODL suspends L. Victoria operations for weeks of repairs
The vessel, on August 27, 2026, was on its way from Bukasa Island in Kyamuswa when it got stuck after being hit by heavy waves. Its engines failed, leaving it drifting with the wind near Entebbe waters before it was rescued by MV Kalangala, its sister vessel.
MV NODL, a vessel that plies Bukasa - Nakiwogo route has suspended operations for Four weeks due to mechanical failure. (Photo by Samuel Nkuba)
By: Samuel Nkuba, Journalist @New Vision
________________
MV NODL, a vessel that plies the Nakiwogo-Bukasa route on Lake Victoria, has suspended its operations following a mechanical failure that left it stuck for hours with more than 100 passengers on board.
The vessel, on August 27, 2026, was on its way from Bukasa Island in Kyamuswa when it got stuck after being hit by heavy waves. Its engines failed, leaving it drifting with the wind near Entebbe waters before it was rescued by MV Kalangala, its sister vessel.
On November 5, 2025, the government introduced the vessel to curb constant drowning incidents from the island caused by the use of overloaded, rickety wooden boats.
Since then, it has been operating every Tuesday and Thursday, easing the transportation of people and their goods to and from the islands.
In a statement issued August 31, 2026, Nation Oil Distributors Limited (NODL), which manages the vessel, explained that the vessel's engine failure on August 27 was caused by floating debris, mainly abandoned fishing nets and plastics, which affected its propellers.
“The vessel requires servicing and repairs which will last for 3 – 4 weeks," the operator noted, adding that passengers from Bukasa will use the available means to Kasenyi.
In a statement issued August 31, 2026, Nation Oil Distributors Limited (NODL), which manages the vessel, explained that the vessel's engine failure on August 27 was caused by floating debris, mainly abandoned fishing nets and plastics, which affected its propellers.
“The vessel requires servicing and repairs which will last for 3 – 4 weeks," the operator noted, adding that passengers from Bukasa will use the available means to Kasenyi.
Locals say the route has simplified their lives, mainly by reducing transport costs, and boosted development as investors, both local and international, started coming to the islands for investment, while also easing trade to and from the islands.
“We need safety while travelling on this vessel; however, we call upon the contractors to speed up servicing since waves are heavy currently, making it difficult for our wooden boats to break through easily,” says Joshua Wafumbwa, one of the leaders in Kyamuswa.
Sadala Musoke, the managing director of NODL, says all repairs will be done within Uganda, as the company has already ordered all the needed spare parts for the vessel's engine.
“After all, it will undergo a survey by the Ministry of Works and Transport, then resume operations on Lake Victoria,” says Sadala.
The vessel has also been plying the Nakiwogo-Lutoboka route during periods of increased passenger numbers, as well as operating boat cruises on weekends.
“We need safety while travelling on this vessel; however, we call upon the contractors to speed up servicing since waves are heavy currently, making it difficult for our wooden boats to break through easily,” says Joshua Wafumbwa, one of the leaders in Kyamuswa.
Sadala Musoke, the managing director of NODL, says all repairs will be done within Uganda, as the company has already ordered all the needed spare parts for the vessel's engine.
“After all, it will undergo a survey by the Ministry of Works and Transport, then resume operations on Lake Victoria,” says Sadala.
The vessel has also been plying the Nakiwogo-Lutoboka route during periods of increased passenger numbers, as well as operating boat cruises on weekends.