TRANSPORT  DEVELOPMENT

KAMPALA - The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) on Friday floated MV Sigulu for the first time. The ferry, which is Uganda's biggest so far (with a capacity of 300 people) will connect Namayingo district to Sigulu and Lolwe Islands on Lake Victoria. It was built by JGH Marine A/S, a Danish firm.

According to a statement by UNRA, the ferry is expected to positively impact the beneficiary communities through increased volumes of trade, tourism and increased access to social services that are not easily available on the islands.

"MV Sigulu is a beauty to behold, and will be of great service to the people once operational," the statement read.

The modern vessel has been under construction at Masese for the last seven months. Other than its passenger capacity of 300, the vessel also has a payload (weight it can carry) capacity of 200 tonnes. It will carry 15 medium sized vehicles and can move at a speed of seven knots (14 km/hr).

It also has facilities that include a medical room, bathroom, toilets, VIP lounge, restaurant and crew rest room.