Get ready for a game-changer on Lake Victoria! The launch of MV Rafiki is a big deal for Uganda's water transport system.
On November 5, 2025, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport, unveiled a new ferry route that will revolutionize travel across Lake Victoria. With a capacity of 250 passengers, MV Rafiki will bridge the gap between Bukasa Island in Kalangala District and the mainland, specifically connecting Entebbe (Nakiwogo) to the islands.
This initiative is a result of a public-private partnership between the Ugandan government and Nation Oil Distributors Ltd (NODL). Their goal? To provide a safe, affordable, and reliable water transport network between Entebbe/Kampala and the Kalangala Islands. Gen. Wamala emphasized the government's dedication to harnessing water transport as a sustainable means of connectivity.
But here's where it gets exciting: the government's plans don't stop there! Gen. Wamala revealed an ambitious project to acquire two massive ferries with a capacity of over 500 passengers each. These ferries will further enhance connectivity between the islands of Koome, Damba, and Busi, and the mainland.
This development is a significant step towards improving transportation infrastructure and accessibility in Uganda. It showcases the government's commitment to leveraging its natural resources for sustainable development.
And this is the part most people miss: water transport isn't just about convenience; it's an essential component of a country's economic growth and social development. By investing in water transport, Uganda is not only improving connectivity but also opening up new opportunities for trade, tourism, and community development.
So, what do you think? Is water transport the future of sustainable connectivity? Or is there a catch to this seemingly perfect plan? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! We'd love to hear your take on this exciting development.
