For residents of Koome Islands, reliable transport across Lake Victoria has remained a dream for decades. On Tuesday, that dream appeared closer to reality when leaders and residents gathered at Katosi Landing Site in Mukono District, expecting the official commissioning of a long-awaited passenger ferry.
Instead, they left disappointed after officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport disclosed that the ferry was not ready for deployment, dashing hopes of an immediate solution to one of the area’s biggest transport challenges.
The disappointment followed an invitation issued by Mukono District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Henry Ddamba, who had called district leaders, stakeholders and members of the public to witness the commissioning of what was described as the Katosi-Koome marine vessel.
In his invitation dated July 21, 2026, Ddamba stated that the passenger marine vessel intended to operate between Katosi Landing Site and Koome Islands was ready for commissioning and invited guests to attend the ceremony.
However, during a closed-door meeting held at the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) before the scheduled commissioning, officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport informed local leaders that the ferry could not be deployed immediately.
According to participants, the revelation created an awkward silence as leaders sought clarification on what had changed.
Instead of delivering the ferry, ministry officials proposed providing a passenger boat as an interim measure while longer-term preparations for ferry operations continue.
After deliberations, leaders agreed that priority should be given to constructing a proper docking pier while government continues efforts to secure a ferry for the route.
Leaders later held an open meeting at Katosi landing was attended by Mukono District Chairperson, Chief Administrative Officer Henry Ddamba, Mukono South MP Robert Maseruka, Mukono District Woman MP Sheila Dravile Amaniyo, Deputy Resident District Commissioner Moses Muyambi, Katosi Town Council Mayor Robert Wanyama Mbongo, Koome Sub-county Chairperson Lawrence Kiyinji and other district officials.
For residents living along the lakeshore and on Koome Islands, the failed commissioning represented more than a postponed government event. It was another delay in solving a transport problem that has affected livelihoods, education, healthcare access and trade for years.
Joseph Bbosa, a resident of Katosi, said communities have long depended on small privately operated boats to cross Lake Victoria.
He explained that the boats are often overloaded and vulnerable to bad weather, putting passengers’ lives at risk while limiting the movement of people and goods.
“The ferry would have brought safer transport and encouraged more business between the islands and the mainland, the safer water vessel operated by Kenyans is expensive.” Bbosa said.
Koome Sub-county Chairperson Lawrence Kiyinji said the absence of dependable marine transport continues to isolate island communities.
He noted that residents frequently struggle to transport agricultural produce, fish and other goods to mainland markets, while accessing health services, schools and government offices also remains difficult.
According to Kiyinji, a ferry would significantly improve connectivity between Koome Islands and Katosi, reduce transport costs and stimulate local economic development.
“A reliable ferry would transform life on the islands because it would make movement predictable and safer,” he said.
Leaders Call for Patience
Mukono District Woman MP Sheila Dravile Amaniyo appealed to the Ministry of Works and Transport to honour its commitment and ensure the ferry is delivered without further delays.
She said improved water transport is essential for the welfare of island residents and would enhance service delivery in hard-to-reach communities.
Mukono South MP Robert Maseruka explained that technical assessments had established that proper landing infrastructure must first be completed before ferry operations commence.
He revealed that a joint committee comprising officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport and Mukono District Local Government has already been established to identify suitable docking sites, supervise infrastructure preparations and oversee pilot navigation exercises before the ferry is commissioned.
According to Maseruka, these preparations are necessary to ensure the vessel operates safely and efficiently once deployed.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner Moses Muyambi echoed the need for caution, saying ferry services involve significant safety considerations that cannot be overlooked.
He said government wants to ensure the required infrastructure, navigation systems and operational procedures are in place before introducing the service.
More Than Just Transport
For many residents of Koome Islands, the anticipated ferry represents more than a means of crossing Lake Victoria.
It is seen as a gateway to better healthcare, education, tourism and trade. Reliable marine transport would enable farmers and fishermen to access larger markets, reduce transport costs and improve emergency response during medical referrals.
Businesses at Katosi Landing Site had also anticipated increased activity as the ferry was expected to attract more passengers and commercial traffic.
Although government officials insist the project remains under consideration, Tuesday’s events underscored the frustrations of island communities that have waited years for dependable public transport.
For now, residents will continue relying on small boats, and waterbus as government works on constructing docking facilities and exploring interim transport options while the promised ferry remains out of reach.
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