Travellers resort to boats as Albert Nile Ferry undergoes maintenance
For now, travellers have no choice but to wait or brave the lake in boats, as authorities work to restore ferry services.
Buliisa: Travellers crossing Lake Albert between Buliisa and Pakwach districts have been left stranded after the MV Albert Nile 1 ferry was taken out of service for maintenance.
Many have been forced to use small boats, while others have postponed their journeys due to safety concerns.
On Friday, hundreds of passengers were seen waiting in vain at Wanseko Ferry Dock, hoping for the ferry’s return from Panyimur.
However, with no alternative government transport available, private boat operators have stepped in, charging between Shs5,000 and Shs10,000 per trip.
Byron Balyesima, a boda boda cyclist and resident of Wanseko Town Council, noted that while some passengers could afford the boat fare, many were hesitant to board due to strong water waves.
“Some travellers have no choice but to take boats, but many are afraid of the water conditions and choose to return home instead,” he explained.
Similarly, Lydia Giramia, a stranded traveller from Kigorobya, Hoima District, expressed her reluctance to use a boat.
“I have never crossed Lake Albert using a boat before. I’d rather wait for the ferry to be repaired,” she said.
Another traveller, Julius Mutegeki, admitted he could afford the fare but was too afraid of the strong lake winds to risk the trip.
Allan Ssempebwa, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) Spokesperson, confirmed that their technical team had identified defects on the vessel, necessitating urgent maintenance to ensure passenger safety.
“The team is working around the clock to have the ferry operational again,” Ssempebwa stated, without specifying a timeline for completion.
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