MV Rafiki Set to Sail Again on Bukasa-Entebbe Route After Brief Suspension

After a 16-day hiatus, the MV Rafiki is scheduled to resume its vital passenger and light cargo service on the Bukasa-Entebbe route. The vessel, a critical link for residents and traders, will make its first trip to the Ssese Islands at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 16.

The suspension, which began on August 31, was necessitated by mechanical issues stemming from the vessel encountering floating debris, including abandoned fishing nets and plastic waste, on August 27. Nation Oil Distributors Limited (NODL), the managing company, had initially projected a repair and servicing period of three to four weeks.

However, the company announced that the necessary engine servicing and safety checks were completed ahead of schedule. “Following the successful completion of the required engine servicing and safety checks, MV Rafiki will resume its regular schedule of operating every Monday and Wednesday,” a statement from NODL confirmed.

Test runs were conducted on Monday to ensure the vessel’s seaworthiness before its return to active service. Dr. Hajji Sadala Musoke, NODL director, appealed to fishermen to exercise caution and avoid casting their nets directly in the vessel’s path to prevent similar damage.

The suspension had caused significant disruption to transport for islanders and mainlanders. During this period, passengers relied on alternatives such as the privately operated MV Armstrong, which faced complaints regarding higher fares, and smaller wooden boats. The return of MV Rafiki is expected to alleviate transport challenges and restore more affordable water travel options for the community.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mv-rafiki-to-resume-bukasa-entebbe-route-after-16-day-suspension-5595918