Several local and foreign tourists have been forced to cancel their holiday plans to the Kalangala Islands after the MV Kalangala suffered a major mechanical breakdown, disrupting travel during the peak festive season.
The vessel developed a significant engine fault on December 14, 2025, while en route to Kalangala. It completed the journey on a single engine and returned to Entebbe on December 15 without passengers for safety reasons. Operations on the Entebbe–Kalangala route remain suspended pending a full engine overhaul.
The breakdown has caused widespread cancellations of Christmas and New Year hotel bookings on the islands, as tourists are unable to transport vehicles or larger cargo without the ferry.
Alternative Transport Options
Travelers seeking access to Kalangala are being advised to use alternative routes:
MV Rafiki (MV NODL): A passenger and light cargo vessel operating from Nakiwogo (Entebbe) to Lutoboka (Kalangala).
Masaka Route: Drive to Masaka and use MV Pearl or MV Ssese ferries between Bukakata and Luuku.
Private Vessels: Some lodges, such as Brovad Sands Lodge, operate their own boats, although these typically do not transport vehicles.
Maintenance History
The MV Kalangala has faced multiple technical issues this year. From December 3–5, 2025, it underwent emergency engine repairs before resuming service on December 5, only to break down again on December 14. Earlier, in August, the ferry returned from a three-month mandatory dry-dock maintenance and safety overhaul in Mwanza, Tanzania.
The Ministry of Works and Transport clarified that no operational suspension was issued for political reasons. “Ferry services exist to serve all Ugandans, including the people of Kalangala, without regard to political affiliation. Any operational changes are strictly based on safety, technical, or operational considerations,” the Ministry stated on social media.
Tourists and locals are advised to monitor official Ministry channels for updates on the vessel’s repairs and resumption of services.
