MV Pearl undergoes mandatory service as leaders eye value for money

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Every year, the vessels that connect Kalangala’s main administrative island, Buggala, undergo mandatory servicing at Port Bell and Mwanza to ensure the safety of passengers who travel on them daily.

The exercise has seen MV Pearl, a sister vessel to MV Ssese, which plies between Luku–Bugoma and Bukakata–Masaka with 16 daily crossings on Lake Victoria, docked at Port Bell for an overhaul of its engines, generators, and ramps.

MV Pearl is set to undergo three major maintenance procedures, including dry docking, which involves removing it from the water to inspect the lower part (bottom). This will be done in Mwanza, Tanzania, once the engine overhaul is completed.

While monitoring the ongoing works at Port Bell, Kalangala leaders, led by district engineer Francis Yiga, emphasised that since these vessels operate 365 days a year without rest, maintenance is essential to extend their lifespan, ensure passenger safety, and prevent tragedies such as sinking.

“Getting engaged in these processes is an act of transparency between service providers of Kalangala Infrastructure Services Limited (KIS) and Kalangala district leaders who are always held accountable by ferry users,” said Yiga.

Professor John Ssenfuma, the KIS board chairperson, noted that after every 50,000 hours of voyage, the vessels face risks that make it necessary to undergo maintenance within the allocated timeframe.

“I want to assure you, the people of Kalangala, that KIS is determined to give you the best services; however much we may have some hiccups, we will continue serving the islanders diligently,” he said.

He added that since the dry-docking facility at Port Bell is fully booked, the vessel will be inspected in Mwanza to confirm there is no possible chance of collision or puncture beneath the hull that could lead to capsizing.

Currently, MV Ssese is handling extra crossings to manage traffic at both Bugoma and Bukakata ports until MV Pearl completes servicing and resumes duty.

Resident district commissioner Fred Badda urged the contracted entities to expedite the works as the festive season approaches, when large numbers of passengers travel to island beaches.

“Islanders who were worried about the agreement these vessels should stay calm since the Government is working on them with a supplement of four routes/trips that will run in the early hours of the night and the break of day,” said Badda.

He added that the additional trips would cater for heavy cargo vehicles to and from the islands.

Among the leaders who monitored the engine overhaul were Helen Nakimuli, Kalangala Woman MP; Kalangala councillor Irene Nakanwagi, and Rajab Ssemakula, the district chairperson.

While commenting on the works, they urged the Government to consider introducing night voyages to reduce traffic and improve time management, an issue worsened by the temporary absence of one vessel.

“As I was travelling yesterday evening, I mismanaged the time, and the vessel left me. We had with other passengers to opt for a boat and left our vehicles at Bugoma port; however, if there were two vessels, this couldn’t happen,” said Ssemakula.

MV Pearl is expected to resume operations in three weeks after undergoing dry docking in Mwanza.