Government of Uganda has launched MV Rafiki, a vessel operated by Nation Oil Distributors Limited, as the new Marine Vessel that will, at a minimal cost, ply between Bukasa Island in Kalangala District and Nakiwogo landing site, in the Entebbe peninsula.
The launch has been officiated by the Works and Transport Minister, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, officials from the Ministry of Works, the RDC Fred Badda, the Chief Adminstrative Officer Charles Ssebandeke, MPs Helen Nakimuli (Kalangala DWR) and Moses Kabuusu (Kyamuswa County.
The vessel’s maiden voyage to Bukasa Island in Kyamuswa County was made on Tuesday, 4th November 2025, with several government officials, including former MPs Timothy Nelly Lwanga Muteekanga, Isreal Mayengo and Ruth Nvumetta Kavuma.
While launching the vessel operations in Kyamuswa, Gen. Katumba Wamala said, Government efforts to offer Kyamuswa County a stable Marine Vessel were delayed by the Covid 19 pandemic, which ended in 2022.
The Minister also indicated that efforts are still in place and a larger Marine Vessel will be delivered and docking piers will be constructed on several other Outlying Islands in Kalangala.
“We as a Ministry are planning to construct docking piers on Buyovu, Kitobo and Sserinya islands to ease landing of such vessels, in the near future,” said Gen. Katumba.
Kyamuswa county, with its four sub counties has been struggling with lack of major transport means. Travelers have often times been using cargo boats and canoes to reach the mainland in Entebbe, leaving Islanders with susceptibility to capsizing and the consequential drowning.
Hon. Fred Badda, the Kalangala Resident District Commissioner thanked H.E the President for his continued support towards island residents and pledged to ensure the vessel moves safely.
The RDC also asked the operator of the vessel, Nation Oil Distributors Limited, to quickly expedite the process of constructing the Kiwungu docking pier to ensure that passengers move safely to and from the Island.
“If you complete the works, we shall be in position to recommend you (Nation Oil Distributors Limited) to also operate other vessels yet to be constructed,” Hon. Badda said.
Kalangala Chief Adminstrative Officer Charles Ssebandeke pledged to monitor all government Works within Kyamuswa to ensure that residents are safe while traveling on water.
Residents who came from Bukasa and other neighboring islands remained thrilled on attaining cheaper and better means of transport and pledged to support all partners to ensure that Bukasa and other islands remain developed.
Hajji Sadala Musoke, the operator of Nation Oil Distributors Limited which manages the new MV Rafiki pledged strict adherence marine guidelines and the provision of Jobs to island residents.
The vessel will charge only Ugx 15,000 for passengers in the ordinary section and Ugx 20,000 in the VIP section. It will also carry 250 passengers.
