The relocation of Bukakata-Luku ferry from Kalangala to Kiyindi landing site has sparked off a disagreement between passengers and State Minister for Works and Transport.
Bukakata –Luku ferry has been the main means of transport connecting Bukakata landing site in Masaka and Bugoma landing site in Kalangala for the last 17 years.
However, starting this weekend government is withdrawing the dilapidated ferry to undergo major renovations at Port Bell in Luzira, Kampala, before relocating it to Kiyindi landing site. The relocation of Bukakata-Luku ferry comes just days after Government cleared MV Pearl, a private ferry owned by Kalangala Infrastructural Services Llimited –KIS to start free operations on Lake Victoria.
However, the decision by Government to withdraw and then relocate Bukakata-Luku Ferry to Kiyindi has not amused some residents and Kalangala leaders. The Kalangala leaders led by Bujumba County Member of Parliament Fred Badda want the ferry to stay and work concurrently with the new private ferry.
Badda argues that since the new ferry is only going to make four rounds daily compared to the old ferry which was making six rounds; it is likely to affect transport flow. He explains that both KIS and Government have not given travelers assurance that if it breaks down, it would provide alternative transport for passengers who would be stranded.
But John Byabagambi, the State Minister for Works and Transport has dismissed the request by the residents. Byabagambi explains that Government decided to relocate the ferry to Kiyindi landing site to Koome islands because people in this area are grappling with transport difficulties.
He accused Kalangala residents of being selfish yet their Buvuma island counter parts face even worse transport problems.
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Minister Byabagamba argues that since under the agreement, KIS –limited is required to bring in the second ferry early next year, it is not logical for Government to retain Bukakata-Luku ferry in Kalangala.
Justine Nanyondo, a firewood trader at Bugoma Islands, says she is disappointed by the government’s decision to relocate the ferry. Nanyondo explains that already, MV Pearl, the private ferry has stopped them from transporting charcoal and firewood on grounds that they make it dirty.
But John Opillo, the Managing Director KIS-Limited, clarified that it is not a ban but they only want the ferry to remain tidy. He explains that they have not banned transportation but they wanted to streamline transport on the new ferry.
