Border communities along Lake Victoria, the world’s largest tropical lake and the second-largest freshwater lake, often struggle with transportation challenges.
Traveling from one place to another can be exhausting and risky due to a lack of reliable transport options, making daily life difficult in many ways.
For residents living along the lake’s shores, limited access to markets, schools, and health services only adds to the hardship.
To address these challenges and promote cross-border connectivity, the Ugandan government, in collaboration with Kenya’s Water Bus Globology Limited, has launched the MV Ormiston, a new state-of-the-art water vessel.
This modern ferry is designed to enhance safety, improve travel efficiency, and boost trade across Lake Victoria.
With better and more reliable transport, the communities including Sigulu and Bugana in Uganda and Marenge at Port Victoria in Kenya, can now hope to increase economic opportunities and improve access to essential services.
The vessel offers a safer alternative to the small canoes previously used, which were often prone to accidents due to strong winds.
The official launch took place, Friday, at Sigulu landing site in Uganda, presided over by Robert Ntambi, Commissioner for Maritime, representing Fred Byamukama, the state minister for transport.
Simultaneously, another ceremony was held at Port Victoria in Busia County, Kenya, led by Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma.
New Route For Regional Trade, Safety
Speaking at the launch, Pritt Okoth, CEO of Water Bus Globology Limited, highlighted the vessel’s potential to transform lives by reducing travel costs, increasing safety, and providing reliable transport.
“Our vessel is safe and will prevent unnecessary fatalities on the lake caused by harsh weather conditions,” Okoth said.
He added that this project also creates employment opportunities for people in both Kenya and Uganda. “As demand grows, we hope to launch a larger vessel in the coming months,” he noted.
The 80-passenger vessel is equipped with modern facilities, including toilets and enclosed seating areas to shield travelers from rain and strong winds.
It also features a design optimised to resist turbulent weather, ensuring both passengers and cargo can travel safely.
Safety Standards
The Ugandan government stated that MV Ormiston has met all safety and operational standards set by the Kenya Maritime Authority and Uganda’s Maritime Administration.
Commissioner Ntambi conveyed Minister Byamukama’s message, underscoring the importance of the vessel in boosting cross-border trade and economic development.
“The MV Ormiston will provide a reliable transport system within the Lake Victoria Basin and increase trade between Uganda and Kenya, directly improving the livelihoods of the population,” Ntambi said.
Byamukama also stressed that the government aims to promote sustainable inland water transport and is committed to supporting private-sector investments in this area.
A Lifeline for Sigulu Island Residents
Residents of Sigulu Island, where the population exceeds 35,000 people, say the new water bus will offer much-needed relief.
Previously, traders and residents relied on canoes, which were expensive and dangerous, especially during heavy winds.
Osbert Okello, a local chairperson, expressed his satisfaction with the new service. According to Okello, they used to pay up to Ugx20,000 to travel between Sigulu and Port Victoria, but the new water bus has reduced costs by almost 40%. “Now we are assured of safe travel,” he said.
Local traders, who hold a market day every Tuesday, say they frequently had to cancel trips due to weather risks.
The water bus’s ability to operate safely in difficult conditions is expected to improve trade opportunities and emergency response services, especially for students and patients needing urgent care.
Gilbert Wanyama, LC3 Chairperson, praised the vessel’s regulated capacity, pointing out how overloaded boats often caused accidents.
“With this new water bus, we can monitor how many people and how much cargo it carries, reducing the risk of capsizing,” Wanyama noted.
The Namayingo Woman MP, Margret Okunga Makoha, recounted the hardships residents faced when small boats capsized.
“We have many widows and orphans because their loved ones drowned while crossing the lake. My campaign team nearly drowned due to strong winds,” she said.
Bosting Cross-Border Travel
MV Ormiston’s launch marks a significant step forward for both Uganda and Kenya in their efforts to develop safe and efficient water transport.
Residents and local leaders are optimistic about the positive impact on commerce, safety, and social services.
The government of Uganda had earlier introduced MV Sigulu, a ferry serving Dolwe Island, but Sigulu residents have eagerly awaited additional transport solutions.
With MV Ormiston now in operation, the future looks brighter for the residents of Sigulu and other communities along the lake.
Governor Paul Otuoma of Busia County encouraged both governments to continue collaborating on economic and security challenges that affect border communities.
“Economic development will strengthen security and reduce related challenges. We need to ensure that such initiatives are sustained to improve the lives of our people,” Otuoma said.
With the launch of MV Ormiston, the region looks forward to more investment in water transport, boosting regional trade and providing a safer alternative for residents who depend on Lake Victoria for their livelihoods.
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