Get ready for a game-changer on Lake Victoria! A new ferry, MV Rafiki, is set to revolutionize travel for islanders in Uganda.
On November 5, 2025, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport, unveiled an exciting initiative. MV Rafiki, with its impressive 250-passenger capacity, will now provide a direct connection between Bukasa Island in Kalangala District and the mainland, specifically Entebbe (Nakiwogo).
This development is a result of a public-private partnership between the Ugandan government and Nation Oil Distributors Ltd (NODL). The aim? To offer a safe, affordable, and reliable water transport system between Entebbe/Kampala and the Kalangala Islands.
Gen. Wamala emphasized the government's dedication to harnessing water transport as a sustainable means of connectivity. He shared an ambitious plan: "The plan is to expand ferry service coverage on Lake Victoria. We're currently working on acquiring two large-capacity ferries, each capable of carrying over 500 passengers, to enhance connectivity between the Islands of Koome, Damba, and Busi to the mainland."
But here's where it gets controversial... While this initiative promises improved connectivity, some critics argue that it might not be enough to address the transportation needs of the region. And this is the part most people miss: the potential environmental impact of increased ferry traffic on Lake Victoria.
So, what do you think? Is this a step towards a brighter future for Lake Victoria's transportation, or are there hidden challenges we should be aware of? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your perspective on this exciting development.
