Scores stranded after ferry breaks down at Buvuma

CHRISTMAS TRAVEL

The residents and business community on the island of Buvuma are stuck following the breakdown of the ferry that plies the route.

The ferry's morning route was affected as the vessel could not make it to its docking point at Kiyindi landing site in Buikwe district to go to Kirongo landing site on Buvuma island.

The ferry eventually reached Buvuma for its first route at 1:00pm yet it usually gets there at 9:00am after leaving Kiyindi at 7:30am.

The stranding involved several business people and vehicles packed with valuables destined for the mainland for the festive season market.

Following the breakdown, the ferry which normally loads six to seven vehicles was reduced to loading only three vehicles.

Cargo such as charcoal, matooke and firewood had to be left behind - stuck.

There was a general sense of concern that  the ferry would fail to load the remaining stuff plus the people in the evening.

 
While some people are traveling from Buvuma island to the mainland to spend the festive season with their loved ones . . .

 
. . . . Others are using passenger boats to get to Kiyindi landing site.

But the boats do not have nough life jackets, which puts the lives of the passengers at risk.