MV Palm-Uganda has been launched as a new ferry on Lake Victoria the route on Lake Victoria from Kiyindi landing site in Buikwe district to Kirongo in Buvuma District.
The new ferry was built in Songoro Marine Transport Limited in Mwanza, Tanzania with four engine ferry.
The vessel through the National Oil Palm Project is secured by the government funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development-IFAD at a cost of 12 .5 Billion Shillings.
“The ferry will be handed over to the Ministry of Works and Transport for management. He noted that the ferry was secured mainly to boost agricultural activities in Buvuma Islands besides further improving trade.” Speaking at the commissioning of the ferry, the State Minister for Agriculture, Fred Kyakulaga said.
“The new vessel doubles the capacity of the existing MV Buvuma ferry. He said that it has a capacity of carrying 519 passengers and 25 vehicles fitted with the necessary navigation and safety equipment.” Richard Katende the Country Manager of Songoro Marine Transport Limited says.
The vessel is able to make a journey for 24 hours without stopping with the 230-tonne ferry built with roll-off on both sides and this enables vehicles to be driven straight.
The Minister for Works and Transport Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala implored residents to make good use of the ferry and participate in farming and trade since now the government has solved the challenge of transport on water.
“People will no longer waste a lot of time waiting as it has been since the new ferry has the capacity to carry a big number of people together with their goods.” Robert Migadde Ndugwa the Buvuma Member of Parliament expressed happiness saying.
Migadde reveals that there are times when people could get stuck just because the ferry developed mechanical problems and they had to wait for days. Sometimes they could be left behind when it is full.
A resident at Kiyindi Amir Kigundu Oweddembe says that they are excited that the new ferry will ease their transportation.
What a perfect timing of MV palm ferry this is! local communities at Buvuma and Buikwe especially farmers have been crying for foul over the failure to transport their goods and produce such bananas, coffee, maize, tomatoes, and beans to markets due to delays by the old ferry.
The old ferry had started developing rampant mechanical breakdowns forcing the management to reduce the number of routes from four to two.
