Lake Bunyonyi Boat Operators Protest Over Steep Licensing Fees

Boat operators and tourism stakeholders around Lake Bunyonyi are appealing to the government to reduce newly proposed boat registration and licensing fees. Local operators warn that these steep financial charges could push them completely out of business and severely strain the daily commute for residents who rely heavily on water transport.

The pushback follows preparations by the Ministry of Works and Transport to fully enforce the Inland Water Transport Act, 2021. The legislation mandates that all vessels must be officially registered, meet strict safety guidelines, carry life jackets, and operate exclusively from gazetted landing sites. Individuals found violating these rules face heavy fines of up to Shs4 million or potential imprisonment.

According to Barnabas Twinomujuni, the Acting Principal Marine Licensing Officer, boat registrations remain valid for five years, but operating licences must be renewed annually. Under the fee structure, smaller passenger vessels carrying fewer than 20 individuals face Shs200,000 for both registration and annual licensing. Meanwhile, larger passenger boats must pay Shs600,000 for registration and Shs350,000 for licensing. Leisure and cargo boats have separate fee tiers, but officials note that zero boats have been registered on Lake Bunyonyi so far due to pervasive safety issues.

Twinomujuni highlighted that poor safety protocols, including widespread overloading and the use of substandard vessels, continue to endanger lives on the water. Statistics indicate that approximately 80 percent of lake accidents in Uganda stem from human error.

Despite these safety concerns, local operators argue the fees are entirely unaffordable given shrinking revenues from tourism and agriculture. Noah Mubangizi, chairperson of the Lake Bunyonyi Motorboat Drivers Association, cautioned that operators might be forced to hike fares, potentially driving desperate residents toward dangerous alternatives like dugout canoes or swimming.

Tourism players, such as Hawks Eye Resort director Pality Twinomujuni, have suggested that the government establish distinct categories that differentiate commercial vessels from traditional community transport boats. With Lake Bunyonyi recording an average of 20 drownings annually, authorities face a delicate balance in trying to enforce crucial safety standards without pricing vulnerable communities out of safe transit.

Read more details on the Nile Post.