Uganda Seeks New Lake Victoria Ferry Operator

Wednesday, 15th December, 2010

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The Government is seeking a competent firm to manage and operate MV Kalangala, a ferry operating on lake Victoria, following expiry of the three-year contract by Mulowooza and Brothers.

The vessel has just been repaired by Mantrac, the agents for Caterpillar products in Uganda, which overhauled its engines.

However, the vessel will over the weekend undergo the mandatory special survey at Mwaza Port in Tanzania. Lloyds Company of South Africa will carryout the survey.

The vessel ceased operations about three months ago due to engine problem.
It was also due for a total overhaul after working for 10,000 hours as prescribed by the manufacturers.

The Uganda works ministry sources said Mulowooza and Brothers, whose contract expired in June, was free to join in the bidding competition.

The vessel, which plies the Nakiwogo-Lutoboka to Kalangala route, is the major means of transport to the Ssese Islands in Kalangala district.

“We are looking at the safety aspect before everything.

“This ship was designed on sophisticated technology that requires only experts to handle it,” said the source.

MV Kalangala was built by Damen Shipyards of the Netherlands at a cost of 14.6 billion Uganda shillings.

It was commissioned in 2006.
The vessel is expected to resume operation early next year.

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