The MV Kalangala, Uganda’s primary public ferry connecting Entebbe to Kalangala on Lake Victoria’s Ssese Islands, has fully resumed its daily operations following a three-month maintenance period in Tanzania.
The vessel, managed by National Oil Distributors Limited (NODL), completed its mandatory dry-dock checks in Mwanza and returned to the route on August 29, with full passenger and cargo services restored by early September.
Launched in 2005 as part of a government initiative to improve island access, the MV Kalangala serves as the main transport link for passengers, vehicles, and bulk goods between the mainland and Kalangala District.
During its absence, which began in May, alternative vessels such as MV NODL Express and MV Vanessa handled passenger traffic but lacked the capacity for heavy cargo or automobiles.
Travelers transporting building materials or vehicles relied on the longer land-and-sea route via Masaka and the Bukakkata-Kalangala crossing using MV Pearl or MV Ssese, extending journey times significantly.
Sadala Musoke, managing director of National Oil Distributors Limited (NODL), confirmed the vessel’s readiness in a recent statement. “We conducted comprehensive inspections and test runs in Mwanza to ensure seaworthiness before bringing it back,” Musoke said. “Since Wednesday, MV Kalangala has been making return journeys to Kalangala, and on Friday it officially resumed normal operations.”
The ferry now operates on its standard schedule: departing from Port Alice Pier in Nakiwogo, Entebbe, at 2:00 p.m. and arriving at Lutoboka Bay in Kalangala at 5:30 p.m., with the return trip leaving Kalangala at 8:00 a.m. the following day and docking in Entebbe by 11:30 a.m. The voyage covers approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes across the lake.
The vessel accommodates up to 300 passengers, along with cars and cargo, making it a vital lifeline for the islands’ 40,000 residents and the region’s growing tourism sector.
Local residents and business owners expressed appreciation for the timely return, noting its role in daily commerce and leisure travel.
The resumption aligns with seasonal increases in travel demand, particularly as domestic tourism to the Ssese Islands, known for beaches, fishing communities, and eco-lodges, picks up in the dry season.
National Oil Distributors Limited (NODL) encourages advance bookings through licensed operators to secure spots, especially for vehicle transport.
Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport oversees such routine dockings to maintain safety standards on Lake Victoria routes.
The MV Kalangala’s return strengthens connectivity in the Kalangala Oil Palm Project area, supporting agricultural exports and community mobility.
Travelers are advised to check weather updates, as lake conditions can influence schedules.
For more details on bookings or routes, contact National Oil Distributors Limited (NODL) or visit the Entebbe port authority.
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