On 27th may 2023, Gen. Kutumba Wamala the Minister for works and transport commissioned MV Palm which will assist with transport needs in Buvuma and Buikwe Districts.
The newly commissioned MV Palm is the latest to be added to a fleet of 12 ferries operated by Uganda National Road Authority (UNRA) across various water bodies in Uganda.
While speaking at the commissioning of the ferry, Gen. Katumba asked the residents to actively get involved in agriculture now that the government has solved the challenge of transport on water.
“This is the ferry that will link you to the mainland. The ferry has a 519-passenger seating capacity and carries 25 cars. It will connect Buikwe and Buvuma districts. It is for free,” he said.
The Buvuma Member of Parliament, Hon. Robert Migadde also expressed his gratitude, saying the vessel will now save time hence increasing production.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, signed a contract with M/S Songoro Marine Limited on 24th December, 2018 to design, build, supply and deliver one ferry for Buvuma at a contract sum was USD 3,360,500.
Financing for the ferry construction was sourced from the International Fund for Agricultural Development as part of the overall funding for the National Oil Palm Project.
Ferry design and construction works commenced on 24th June 2019 and the ferry was completed and delivered to Port bell on 23rd February 2023.
The ferry possesses the Characteristic ofgross weight of 665 metric tons and has a carrying capacity of 239 metric tons.
This means that the ferry has a provision to carry 519 seated passengers and 25 vehicles. The overall length of the ferry is 44 meters and the width is 14.6 meters.
MV Palm ferry is propelled by four engines each with a power of 235 kilowatts and fitted with the necessary navigation and safety equipment.
Buvuma, which is on Lake Victoria, comprises of 52 islands and with this ferry it will ease transportation and lead to economic growth of the people living on those islands.
Peace Akol
Communications Officer Government Citizen Interaction Centre, State house.
