Traveling between Uganda and Kenya on Lake Victoria has become easier after a long period of hardship and risk. This improvement in transport is thanks to the joint efforts of the two countries.
Uganda and Kenya have secured a reliable water vessel that will transport nationals of both countries. The MV Ormiston, owned by Water Bus Globology Limited, was officially unveiled on Friday, October 11, 2024, to address the daily risks faced on Africa’s largest freshwater body.
This modern ferry has main docks at Sigulu and Bugana in Uganda’s Namayingo District, as well as Marenge Port Victoria in Kenya’s Busia County. The new service will improve travel safety and promote trade among the communities surrounding the lake.
Authorities believe that this essential mode of transport will also ease access to social and basic services such as healthcare, education, and business transactions.
The water bus was launched by both Ugandan and Kenyan authorities at two separate events. Uganda’s Works and Transport Minister, Fred Byamukama, presided over the launch at Sigulu Island in Namayingo District, while H.E. Dr. Paul Otuoma, Governor of Kenya’s Busia County, officiated the event at Port Victoria.
Minister Byamukama emphasized that the initiative will greatly enhance trade between Uganda and Kenya, positively impacting the livelihood of the local population.
In a message delivered by Robert Ntambi, Commissioner for Maritime, Byamukama stated that efforts are underway to promote safety and security on Uganda’s water bodies. “The government of Uganda is placing greater emphasis on sustainably developing our inland water transport systems. Measures are being implemented to promote safety and security on our waterways,” he said.
The minister noted that with improved regulation of Uganda’s maritime industry, private sector investments in water transport are expected to increase. “The government is ready to support the private sector as we strive to advance our maritime industry.”
The government of Uganda, in collaboration with the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) and with funding from the African Development Bank, has implemented several interventions to promote water transport safety and security.
Busia County Governor, H.E. Dr. Paul Otuoma, emphasized the significance of water transport as a vital global transport mode. He highlighted the brotherly relationship between Uganda and Kenya, advocating for collaboration to ensure the water bus’s effectiveness.
He mentioned that the concept of the water bus is not new, recalling its presence during colonial times. “Ships used to dock at several landing sites here in Namayingo and on the Kenyan side, though they are no longer there. It’s great to see investors reviving this,” he said.
“We want to see tourism and trade flourish between Uganda and Kenya, and not just within these two countries, but across East Africa. This benefits our people,” the Governor added.
Namayingo Woman MP, Margret Makoha, expressed her concern: “We have lost many lives on this lake, and many people have lost their businesses. I almost lost my life while campaigning. I wouldn’t be here today if I had been in a small boat.”
She added, “Even though we will have to pay a small fee for the water bus, it is better to pay than to risk dying.”
The MV Ormiston, which has a capacity of 80 passengers, includes a toilet and a fully enclosed seating area to protect passengers from rain and wind. It will provide daily services at an affordable fare, according to Pritt Okoth, Chief Executive Officer of Water Bus Globology Limited.
Okoth emphasized the ferry’s safety and importance, assuring that it addresses previous safety concerns. “This vessel has a larger capacity and is much safer. We hope to launch two more ferries as demand grows,” Okoth said.
According to local residents and leaders, it used to cost around UGX 20,000 to travel to Kenya, but with the water bus, a significant portion of that cost has been reduced.
Earlier, the government of Uganda launched the MV Sigulu ferry, which could not dock at several islands in Namayingo. The additional ferry now serves to enhance cross-border travel.
“This is an important initiative for both Uganda and Kenya. Let’s make the most of it because it is us who will benefit from this service,” said Ronald Sanya, LC5 Chairperson of Namayingo District.
Sanya also warned against individuals attempting to undermine the operations of the water bus for personal interests.
Hon. Raphael Wanjara, Busia County Member of Parliament in Kenya, noted that many people working in Nairobi face difficulties traveling back to Sigulu, Uganda, due to fear of small boats on the lake.
The vocal legislator called for discipline among law enforcement officers, who he said often put unnecessary restrictions on people conducting business between Uganda and Kenya. “This is the East African Community, but the police and other uniformed officers continue harassing our people at the borders. What is wrong with a Kenyan doing business in Uganda, or a Ugandan doing business in Kenya?” he asked. “Please behave responsibly.”
The water bus offers a safer future for lake travel compared to the riskier canoes, which have often led to fatalities.
