Uncertainty as Kalangala's MV Pearl remains dry-docked in Mwanza
According to Kalangala Infrastructure Services Limited (KIS) acting managing director Joseph Mulindwa, the delays were caused by a long process from the Uganda Revenue Authority on declaration and release of spare parts from abroad.
Monitoring the progress of MV Pearl, a sister vessel to MV SSESE, plying Bugoma-Bukakata route on Lake Victoria. The vessel is dry-docked in Mwanza. (Photos by Samuel Nkuba)
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With the vibe of two presidential candidates planning to campaign in Kalangala in a fortnight's time, uncertainty remains among passengers on whether MV Ssese will manage the traffic, as MV Pearl is still dry-docked at South Port Mwanza in Tanzania.
The vessel, which suspended operations three months ago, underwent engine and generator overhaul at Port Bell, Luzira in Kampala, as other major servicing remained on hold until it was taken to Mwanza.
According to Kalangala Infrastructure Services Limited (KIS) acting managing director Joseph Mulindwa, the delays were caused by a long process from the Uganda Revenue Authority on declaration and release of spare parts from abroad.
“We’re experiencing high traffic, yet the festival season is also here, and the demand for the second vessel is high. We hope that before Christmas, MV Pearl will have commenced services between Bugoma and Bukakata,” Mulindwa says.
While in Mwanza on December 14-15, 2025, monitoring the ongoing works with Ministry of Works and Transport officials, engineers from MUNDAO Engineering Associates Ltd confirmed that the completed works stand at 85%.
Apart from engine and generator overhaul, repair of passenger seats, upgrading of communication systems and draining of old fuel after Inspection of the hull, no major defects were seen despite the loading ramp having developed bent sections due to repeated docking.
“The ramp has been realigned, a new power system installed to handle uniform lowering for smooth load and offloading of the vessel,” ferry operations manager John Baptist Lubega said.
KIS board of directors chairperson Prof. John Senfuma said the timely servicing and maintenance not only increase the lifespan of the vessel but also ensures safety of passengers and their cargo to and from the islands.
Presidential candidates Yoweri Museveni is expected to campaign in the islands on December 20, while Kyagulanyi Sentamu is expected on December 24.