transport 21 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kalangala's Free Ferry Service Faces Uncertain Future as Payment Deal Nears End
The crucial free ferry service connecting Kalangala District to the mainland via Lake Victoria is under threat as the government's agreement to cover passenger fees nears its expiry in two weeks. Uncertainty looms over the continuation of this vital transport link. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kalangala-faces-ferry-uncertainty-as-free-crossing-deal-nears-expiry-5503854
Residents and transport operators in Kalangala District are experiencing growing anxiety as the government’s agreement to subsidize passenger fares on the MV Pearl and MV Ssese ferries is set to expire soon. Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS), the company managing the ferry operations, has highlighted significant delays in negotiating a new long-term contract, jeopardizing the continuity of this essential service.
The original 13-year agreement between KIS and the government concluded in August of the previous year. Since then, the service has been operating under a series of short-term extensions, with the latest one due to end within the next fortnight. Negotiations for a new, stable agreement have been ongoing for over three years, leading to repeated temporary renewals.
Under the current pact, the government bears the cost of passenger fares, allowing residents to travel between Bugoma and Bukakkata free of charge. If the agreement is not renewed, passengers could face the imposition of ferry charges, a move that would significantly impact the local economy and the daily lives of islanders.
KIS has pointed to bureaucratic delays, suggesting that some government technocrats are obstructing President Museveni’s directive for the ferries to remain free and operate around the clock. The company argues that the proposed six-year contract in the draft agreement is insufficient for the substantial investments needed to improve the transport infrastructure. Furthermore, the draft proposals for additional daily return trips fall short of the local demand and the President’s desire for expanded night services.
Local leaders have urged the government to expedite the signing of a new, long-term agreement, warning that any disruption to the ferry service, which acts as Kalangala’s primary link to the mainland, would be detrimental. Concerns have been raised about the impact on schoolchildren who rely on the ferries and the potential loss of revenue for the sub-county if cargo transporters are deterred by new charges. District officials plan to address these concerns directly with President Museveni during his upcoming visit.
This situation leaves Kalangala’s vital transport lifeline in a precarious position, awaiting a definitive decision from the government.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)