Two ferries unveiled to link Busoga, Teso, and Lango region

_______________

The long-awaited MV Bukungu-Kagwara-Kaberamaido (BKK) Ferries, deployed on Lake Kyoga linking Busoga, Lango and Teso regions, are set to sail.

MV Bukungu-Kagwara-Kaberamaido (BKK) Ferries will link Busoga, Lango, and Teso regions, ending the over 55-year wait for the vessels to improve the transport of humans and facilitate trade.

A wave of excitement swept through Bukungu landing site on Friday as Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja commissioned the ferries, before she climbed up the staircase to the Captain’s cabin to start the engine.

Premier Nabbanja cuts the tape to commissions the ferries. (Courtesy)

Nabbanja climbs down the stairs of the ferry. (Credit: Tom Gwebayanga)

“Use the ferries to generate income, change lives and immigrate from poverty to a money economy,” she said, before the ferry roared away in the maiden ride with over 500 people on board.

Building of the ferries was funded by the Government of Uganda and implemented by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), with the Tanzanian-based Songoro Marine Transport Ltd as the Contractors competing the task in 2024. 

The construction that lasted between 2022 and 2024 created employment for over 200 youth, especially welders, while the owners of the land at the sites where the ferries are docking got hefty compensation.

According to Saidi Sempala Atuma, the Songoro Marine Transport Ltd Assistant Office Administrator, each ferry has the capacity to carry over 300 passengers, more than 20 vehicles and 2 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.

The ferries also have modern handling facilities of rescue services of a standby ambulance in case of accidents, a clinic to treat the sick, food and tea kiosks, and toilets, among other facilities.