Overview:
Residents along Lake Kyoga are optimistic that the newly commissioned Buyende–Kagwara–Kaberamaido (BKK) ferries will improve connectivity and facilitate economic and social activities across the Busoga and Teso sub-regions.
Residents along Lake Kyoga are optimistic that the newly commissioned Buyende–Kagwara–Kaberamaido (BKK) ferries will improve connectivity and facilitate economic and social activities across the Busoga and Teso sub-regions. Sarah Nandekula, a resident of Bukungu Town Council, said the ferries will make it easier to visit friends in Serere District.
“Life along the lake is our main reason for existence, and with limited capacity to set up income-generating enterprises, we keep travelling all year checking on relatives and friends instead of staying in one location,” Nandekula said. Grace Adikin of Kaberamaido District noted that the ferry services will facilitate work and personal travels for thousands of residents.
“Most settlers here are searching for fresh starts. The presence of safe water transport allows timely travel to different locations in search of better opportunities,” she said. Felista Achom from Serere District highlighted that the landing sites host regular music concerts and that the ferries will make it easier for residents to travel safely to these events. “The ferry services facilitate timely travel without fear of encountering challenges,” she added.
Residents also expressed hope that the ferries would boost trade, allowing them to transport goods efficiently across regions. “We now have the opportunity to move merchandise and connect with markets in other sub-regions. Trade and business opportunities will increase significantly,” said a local trader.
Government officials emphasized that the ferries are intended as drivers of economic growth, not just personal convenience. President Yoweri Museveni, through a message delivered by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, urged residents to leverage the ferries for trade and income-generating activities. “Improved water transport ought to facilitate trade between the beneficiary communities. There should be livelihood improvement since people can easily transport merchandise from one sub-region to another,” the message read.
First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga described the commissioning as the fulfillment of a three-decade presidential pledge. She noted that the Umbercoat–Mbulamuti–Bukungu road, once completed, will complement ferry services, ensuring smooth integration between road and water transport. State Minister for Transport Fred Byamukama cautioned residents against using the free ferry services for aimless travel, urging them to focus on business and work-related activities.
Kasiro County MP Elijah Okupa noted that the ferries will enhance trade connectivity between Eastern and Northern Uganda and reduce accidents from unsafe small boats. Serere District LCV Chairperson Steven Ochola encouraged private investment in accommodation and restaurant facilities near landing sites to further stimulate local economies.
The ferries were built by Tanzania-based M/S Songoro Marine Transport Limited for 42 billion shillings. Construction began in 2022 following a contract signed in 2020. BKK 1 has commenced operations, while BKK 2 is expected to be completed by March 2026. Each ferry accommodates 310 passengers, 14 small vehicles, a lorry truck, and an ambulance, and includes first aid areas, canteens, and facilities for persons with disabilities.
Additionally, the government earmarked 18.9 billion shillings for the construction of three modern docking sites. Financial setbacks led to contract termination by M/S Terrain Services in 2024, but the Ministry of Works engineers have since built gravel jetties at Bukungu and Kagwara, with Akampala expected to be ready by February 2026.
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