President Yoweri Museveni is expected to commission Uganda’s largest passenger vessel in Namayingo district in eastern Uganda as he continues to look for votes ahead of 2021 presidential elections.
The 300-seater MV Sigulu, which will connect Namayingo mainland to Sigulu and Dolwe islands in Lake Victoria will help islanders access social services, transport produce, boost fishing and reduce water transport mortality occasioned by rickety vessels/boats, according to Mr Museveni’s senior press secretary, Mr Don Wanyama.
Sigulu ferry is now Uganda’s largest passenger vessel, according to Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA).
“The ferry connects islanders of Sigulu and Dolwe, over 50Kms away from mainland Namayingo District, a distance previously sailed by canoes and small engine boats,” UNRA media relations manager, Mr Allan Ssempebwa said.
MV Sigulu made its maiden expedition to the isolated island district in August 2020, a year after undergoing trials on Lake Victoria.
The vessel had since December 2018 docked at Walukuba-Masese Division in Jinja City, prompting questions.
MV Sigulu, a government undertaking, was constructed by JGH Marine, a Danish firm, at a cost of Shs16b to connect Sigulu and Lolwe Islands to Lugala mainland in Namayingo District.