The Ugandan government has confirmed plans to establish nine search and rescue (SAR) centres across the country’s three largest lakes, Victoria, Albert, and Kyoga, to enhance water transport safety.
State Minister for Transport, Fred Byamukama, said the initiative aims to boost maritime safety and security, with support from the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) and funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Locations of SAR Centres include Kaazi, Misonzi, Lwanika, Kiyindi, Masese, Namba Emu (Buvuma) on Lake Victoria.
Lake Kyoga will have a centre at Zengebe landing site, while Lake Albert will host SAR centres at Panyimur and Kaiso landing sites in Pakwach and Kikuube districts, respectively.
Regional Coordination Efforts
Minister Byamukama added that the government, in collaboration with neighbouring countries, plans to set up a regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mwanza, Tanzania, along with three sub-centres in Tanzania, Kenya (Kisumu), and Entebbe.
These hubs will facilitate coordinated rescue operations across East Africa’s major water bodies.
“Currently, we are constructing a Maritime Survival Training Centre in Entebbe, which will be launched early next year,” Byamukama explained. “This centre will train water operators to improve their skills and enhance safety on the lakes.”
24/7 Emergency Hotline, Rescue Boats
The government will introduce a 24/7 emergency call centre accessible via code 110, allowing anyone in distress on the lakes to seek free assistance. Additionally, 17 rescue boats will be procured to bolster the SAR system.
Byamukama also revealed plans to deploy weather buoys across the lakes, which will help monitor weather conditions in real-time.
The buoys, along with Aids to Navigation (ATONs), will provide critical information to water users and enhance operational safety.
Economic, Social Impact
The minister highlighted that these efforts would attract private-sector investments in water transport, fostering trade, tourism, and employment opportunities.
The government expects increased commercial activities on the lakes to boost tax revenues, which will, in turn, be reinvested into improving maritime infrastructure.
Islanders’ Concerns
While many island residents have welcomed the initiative, some expressed concerns about its potential impact on their livelihoods, particularly fishing activities.
“I hope these centres focus on safety rather than giving authorities more control over water users,” said Ibrahim Kamoga, a resident of Buvuma.
He noted past tensions with the government over restrictions on fishing under the pretext of curbing illegal practices.
Stephen Mpanga, another Buvuma resident, echoed similar worries. “This is a good initiative, but we fear that it might turn into more restrictions and bring hardships along the way,” he said.
The government has reassured communities that the SAR centres will prioritise safety and enhance lake operations without disrupting local livelihoods.
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