Buvuma’s MV Palm is one of the biggest ferries in the country, with a sitting capacity of 519 passengers, and vehicle space for 14 cars and 4 trucks.
BY HENRY NSUBUGA AND MIKE-MUSISI MUSOKE
The government recently launched the MV Palm, a state-of-the-art ferry serving the Kirongo-Kiyindi route, connecting Buvuma islands and mainland in Buikwe districts. This modern vessel is set to transform travel in the region, offering comfort, safety, and efficiency to commuters.
The Minister for Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala while launching the MV Palm recently said that putting in place such facilities is geared at working in compliance with its obligation to provide inter-district easy access.
(Photo by Henry Nsubuga)
In an exclusive interview with Kyaggwe TV and as one of the serial programmes depicting achievements of the NRM government since inception 40 years ago, the commander of the vessel Capt. Davis Ssanyu gave us details about the vessel.
Buvuma’s MV Palm is one of the biggest ferries in the country, with a sitting capacity of 519 passengers, and vehicle space for 14 cars and 4 trucks.
Capt. Ssanyu explained that this vessel has all components for saving commuters in case of danger, including provisions for keeping passengers floating for several hours in case of capsizing, over 600 life jackets and a rescue boat.
The ferry is fitted with fire-fighting equipment, flood lights in case of travelling at night, a location campus and communication gadgets. It is double storeyed with shelters to protect travelers against rain.
He says that since its launch, the passenger load from Buvuma to the mainland and vice versa has more than doubled, and predicted that at this rate of travel, a second ferry will soon become a necessity.
Passengers are saved from the trouble of resisting nature’s call, or easing themselves in the open lake as is the case with small outboard boats, through provision of a water borne toilet facility.
The time taken by MV Palm to ply the Kirongo -Kiyindi route is 37 minutes. The Chief Administrative officer (CAO) for Buvuma Issa Mbooge and the district NRM chairperson Wandera Fred expressed appreciation to the NRM government for considering the people of Buvuma and procuring the comfortable facility.
Wandera has appealed to the government to consider getting them a second ferry to adjoin the rest of the 52 islets made up by the nine sub-counties.
(Photo by Henry Nsubuga)