The recent handover of the Kaazi Search and Rescue (SAR) Centre in Wakiso District, one of five state-of-the-art facilities established under the Multinational Lake Victoria Maritime Communications and Transport (MLVMCT) Project, marks a significant milestone for water transportation and tourism in Uganda.
Officially received by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Mr. Bageya, on October 17th, 2025, this development promises to enhance safety, boost water-based tourism, and open new avenues for exploration across Uganda’s vast waterways.
A Leap Forward for Water Transportation
The Multinational Lake Victoria Maritime Communications and Transport (MLVMCT) Project, a collaborative initiative by the East African Community supported by the African Development Bank, has established Search and Rescue (SAR) centres at Zangebe, Panyimur (Lake Albert), Kaiso, Masese, and Kaazi.
These facilities are designed to strengthen emergency response capabilities across Uganda’s lakes and rivers, including the iconic Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, and the Nile River system.
Each centre will serve as a hub for search and rescue operations, equipped with medical units and offices for marine vessel licensing and registration.
This infrastructure is expected to reduce the staggering 3,000 to 5,000 annual drowning deaths, many linked to overcrowded private boats, by enabling rapid deployment of rescue teams coordinated from a new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre under construction in Entebbe.
For water transportation, this means safer journeys for the motorized local boats and passenger ferries that connect Uganda’s islands and remote corners to the mainland.
The Rift Valley Railways’ wagon ferries, operating between Port Bell, Jinja, Kisumu (Kenya), and Mwanza (Tanzania), and the promise of revitalized rail connections, further enhance regional trade and travel.
With improved safety measures, water transport could see increased reliability, supporting both commercial and personal travel across Lake Victoria, Lake Kyoga, and the River Nile.
Boosting Lake and River Tours
Uganda’s stunning lakes and rivers are now more accessible for tourists seeking adventure and serenity.
Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, stretches across Uganda’s southern border, offering an inland sea experience with waves, fishing boats, and scattered islands like the Ssese Islands.
The new Search and Rescue (SAR) centres ensure that tours to these destinations are safer, encouraging visitors to explore Entebbe’s beaches, engage in cultural tours, or witness the lake’s rich biodiversity.
Similarly, Lake Albert’s dramatic escarpments and Lake Kyoga’s wetland networks, connected to the Nile, are prime spots for river tours.
The presence of rescue facilities at Panyimur and Kaiso will reassure tourists embarking on these journeys, where they can spot crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species.
The Murchison Falls and Kazinga Channel, known for their wildlife and scenic beauty, also benefit from enhanced safety, with boat cruises scheduled at 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM offering guided tours to witness elephants, Nile crocodiles, and rare shoebills.
Thriving Boat Cruising and Island Hopping
The establishment of these Search and Rescue (SAR) centres is set to revolutionize boat cruising in Uganda, a nation renowned for its diverse water bodies and vibrant cultures.
Popular cruise spots like Lake Bunyonyi, with its terraced islands and storybook charm, and Lake Victoria, the continent’s largest tropical lake, are ideal for leisurely voyages.
Tourists can now enjoy the spectacular sunset views and wildlife sightings with greater confidence, knowing that rescue teams are on standby.
Island hopping, a highlight of Uganda’s tourism, is poised for growth with safer waters. The Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria, accessible via private boats, offer unspoiled tan beaches and swaying palms, while Bulago Island’s freshwater marine reserve provides a unique ecological experience.
The improved safety infrastructure will encourage more visitors to explore these hidden gems, boosting local economies and promoting sustainable tourism.
Exciting 2026 Tour Opportunities
Looking ahead to 2026, the enhanced safety measures pave the way for an array of thrilling water-based tours:
– Ssese Islands Tours: Embark on a 3-day adventure starting from Entebbe or Kampala, exploring the 84 islands of Lake Victoria, with Bugala Island as the highlight. Enjoy canoeing, beach games, and cultural visits to fishing communities.
– Lake Kyoga Tours: Discover the tranquil beauty of Lake Kyoga with 2-4 hour eco-friendly boat or canoe tours, spotting shoebill storks, hippos, and engaging in birdwatching or cultural village visits on Kayago Island.
– Dolwe Islands Fishing Trip: Experience an authentic angling adventure on Lake Victoria’s Dolwe Islands, renowned for their thriving fishing industry, with guided trips to learn net-making and fish smoking techniques.
– Source of the Nile Trips: Journey to Jinja, just 1.5 hours from Kampala, to witness the Nile’s origin from Lake Victoria. Enjoy boat cruises, scenic walks, and photo opportunities at this historic site.
As Uganda continues to develop its water transportation network and tourism offerings, the Multinational Lake Victoria Maritime Communications and Transport (MLVMCT) Project stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to safety and exploration.
With the new Search and Rescue (SAR) centres operational, locals and tourists alike can look forward to safer, more enjoyable experiences on Uganda’s lakes and rivers.
Whether it’s a business trip from Entebbe International Airport, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, the waterways of Uganda are now more inviting than ever.
Plan your 2026 adventure with Responsible Tourism Company Ltd! Book your Ssese Islands Tours, Lake Kyoga Tours, Dolwe Islands Fishing Trip, or Source of the Nile Trips today.
Enjoy eco-friendly experiences, support local communities, and contribute to reforestation with every booking, $10 per person donated to our Reforestation Project.
Contact us at info@responsibletourismcompany.com for details.
Book Cars + Hotels in Entebbe
Get Entebbe Car Rental & Entebbe Hotel Deals in Entebbe When You Book Them Together! Find deals from $50 per by comparing on Responsible Tourism Company. Visit our website. Responsible Tourism Company Rental Cars https://responsibletourismcompany.com/transportation-services/
Book tours with Responsible Tourism Company for an unforgettable experience from wildlife safari tours, adventure tours among others on our Uganda Tour Packages.