New waterbus set to solve Kalangala islands' connectivity challenges

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A new waterbus, MV Ormiston, has begun navigating Lake Victoria in a move set to ease interconnectivity challenges between Bufumira and Kyamuswa sub-counties in Kalangala district.

The vessel, which has been mapping its routes over a two-day voyage, will transport passengers and cargo from Ssese islands to Kasenyi landing site in Wakiso district.

The proposed routes include a connection from Mwena on Bugala Island to Ssemawundo on Bufumira Island, Kitobo, Banda, Bbosa on Sserinya island, Misonzi and Kaaya on Lulamba island, and finally Kacanga on Buvu island before linking to Kasenyi.

A second route will cover Lwanabatya on Bukasa island, Buyange, Lwazi-Bubeke on Bubeke island, and Lwazi-Jaana on Jaana island before heading to Kasenyi in Entebbe.

This second route will now be served by two vessels, following the earlier efforts of MV Nathalie to offer consistent transport for residents of Kyamuswa subcounty.

After completing its route mapping, MV Ormiston docked at Kasenyi landing site, awaiting approval and licensing from the Ministry of Works and Transport.

Island residents told New Vision they had paused journeys from their landing sites due to frequent boat accidents that often led to drownings.

“For our merchandise, we have been making orders on phone, sending money, and loading onto these boats despite poor handling that leads to losses. Last month, I ordered maize flour, but on delivery, five bags were wet due to water that penetrated the cargo boat, leaving me with losses. But with these modernised vessels, we’re optimistic that our commodities will always be delivered on time and safely,” said Rehema Nassolo from Kacanga landing site.

Passengers previously paid between sh20,000 and sh40,000 to travel to Kasenyi by boat. Erina Nabateera from Lwazi-Bubeke landing site appealed to the new waterbus operators to lower transport fares so that all islanders could afford safer travel.

MV ORMISTON docked at Lwazi-Bubeke landing site as islanders tour it. (Photo by Samuel Nkuba)

“We have been travelling for over five hours to Kasenyi. It has been raining on us now and then, heavy waves hit, leaving many sick and others dead, among other risks. But with this water bus, we hope those risks will be solved,” said Nabateera.

Bambalazaabwe Ssemakula, who survived a drowning incident, said such vessels would significantly reduce the risk of incidents and attract tourists, boosting island development.

“We have invested in tourist destinations on these islands with the hope that modern vessels will not only ease interconnectivity but also introduce tourism as an economic activity,” he said.

Kyamuswa County MP, Moses Kabuusu, noted that after lobbying for safer transport and fewer water accidents in Kyamuswa, Bubeke, and Bufumira sub-counties, his focus is now on Mazinga Subcounty, where residents traverse over eight hours by boat to Kasenyi or Lambu landing site in Masaka.

“We have constructed roads and introduced more modern vessels. However, we still lack a stable power supply, which leaders must now prioritise to improve lives on the islands and open up other economic opportunities,” he said, adding that such efforts were among the promises he made to voters.

Although modern vessels require docking piers for smooth operations, MV Ormiston is a multipurpose vessel capable of shoreline landings, like traditional wooden boats. This feature makes it easier for passengers at landing sites without piers to board and disembark with their goods.

Annie Wanjiru, business development and operations manager, explained that the vessel carries 180 passengers and up to five tonnes of cargo, excluding vehicles.

“We’re in the final stages of confirming that this route is viable for us and stakeholders. At the start, we’ll have one round trip daily because we want people to trade quickly and easily,” said Annie.

MV Ormiston is awaiting route confirmation and licensing by the Ministry of Works and Transport before it can officially begin operations to and from the islands.

The Government has also commenced reconstruction of submerged piers at Kiwungu on Bukasa island, Kawafu and Bubeke Island, and Ssemawundo on Bufumira island, with the aim of deploying another vessel to further ease island transport.