Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabanja officially inaugurated the M.V MPUNGU ferry, a significant new asset that is set to enhance trade and transport between Uganda and Tanzania.
This state-of-the-art vessel will drastically reduce travel time across Lake Victoria, cutting the journey from Uganda to the Tanzanian port of Mwanza to just 16 hours.
The M.V MPUNGU ferry, built in Uganda at Entebbe by Seco Marine Uganda Limited, an Alpha Group company, marks a milestone in the country’s transport and trade infrastructure.
The ferry is designed to carry both cargo and passengers, with a capacity of 18 to 21 tonnes of heavy vehicles, a crucial development for Uganda’s growing trade with its East African neighbors. The ferry, named by local school children from Lakeside College in Portobello, will sail under the Ugandan flag.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Nabanja emphasized the ferry’s importance in reducing the high costs of trade and transportation.
“The M.V MPUNGU ferry is not just a transportation vessel; it is an essential tool in boosting our economy,” she stated. “With this ferry, the time it takes for traders to move goods will be significantly reduced, thereby cutting transportation costs and making trade more efficient.”
The Prime Minister also noted the importance of fostering investor-friendly environments, stating, “No investor can be attracted to any economy to make losses. It is subversive for any leader not to support such projects that have the potential to transform our economy.”
The ferry was made possible through a partnership between international investors, including the Private Infrastructure Development Group and Infocorp.
The venture also received support from organizations such as the EU and the AITF Fund, which helped bring the vision of a fuel-efficient, scheduled marine transport service on Lake Victoria to fruition. The ferry is a part of a larger effort to enhance regional connectivity and bolster economic integration across East Africa, which has a combined population of over 300 million people.
According to Hon. Fred Byamukama, the Deputy Minister of Transport, the ferry, which is owned by a private company, will play a crucial role in enhancing Uganda’s transport network. He assured that efforts will be made to expand operations on various waterways to promote regional trade further.
“Today, we are proud to witness the commissioning of this ferry, which will transform the regional trade landscape. The M.V MPUNGU is built to the highest international standards of safety, fuel efficiency, and environmental sustainability,” said Hon. Byamukama
The ferry is not only a breakthrough in transport efficiency but also in employment creation. Up to 160 Ugandans were employed in skilled trades such as welding, engineering, and electrical services during the shipbuilding process. Additionally, 20 new mariners were trained at the Diaspora Maritime Institute, 30% of whom are women, helping diversify the maritime industry.
In terms of environmental impact, the vessel complies with international maritime safety standards and adheres to the International Convention for Prevention of Pollution from Ships. It is expected to play a significant role in Uganda’s decarbonization efforts in the transport sector.
The M.V MPUNGU ferry represents a transformative step for East African trade. By improving the speed and efficiency of transporting goods across the region, it will reduce road congestion, prevent spoilage of perishable goods, and lower transportation costs for traders. The ferry’s inaugural voyage is expected to bring immense benefits to both Uganda and Tanzania, facilitating smoother trade relations and contributing to the economic development of both nations.
Comments are closed.