President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to restore night ferry operations on the Ssese Islands in a move aimed at easing transportation, boosting trade and improving livelihoods in Kalangala District.
The President committed while addressing thousands of supporters at a campaign rally held at Kibanga Primary School playground in Kalangala.
He said he had been informed that ferries serving the islands are few, operate for limited hours and do not run at night, a situation he described as unacceptable.
“On the issue of ferries, I am told they are few, operate for only a few hours and do not run at night. I do not know why this is the case, but we are going to look into it and find out why,” President Museveni said.
Recalling earlier years, the President noted that night travel by water was once common in the region. “Back in the day, we used to travel at night to Mwanza and Bukoba. I remember travelling from Bwama at night; they brought fish, and I didn’t eat it and slept hungry because I don’t eat fish. Later, we went to Kenya.”
He was responding to concerns raised by the NRM Vice Chairperson for Central Region, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, who told the rally that limited ferry schedules were constraining business and trade on the islands.
Ferries remain a critical lifeline for Ssese Islands residents, connecting them to the mainland and enabling the movement of people, goods and services.
Currently, most ferries operate only during daytime, restricting fishermen, traders and commuters, increasing transport costs and slowing down economic activity. Residents have for years appealed to the government to expand ferry operations and improve reliability.
Addressing other concerns, President Museveni said Kalangala has enjoyed peace for the last 40 years under the NRM, but acknowledged reports of theft on some islands, promising to take the matter seriously.
He also pointed to the need to upgrade the Bugoma–Kalangala road, urging residents to elect leaders who actively demand services for their communities.
The President commended locals for embracing palm oil growing, noting that it has significantly improved household incomes, and advised farmers to diversify into livestock and poultry.
He also cautioned fishermen against overharvesting, urging them to avoid catching immature fish and promising to review issues surrounding cage fishing.
On social services, President Museveni noted progress in education and water access, while emphasising the need for equitable distribution of schools and completion of water projects to reach underserved villages.
He encouraged residents, especially the youth, to focus on economic empowerment through diversified income sources such as commercial agriculture, livestock and small businesses.
The President later handed over NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, district and local leaders, formally endorsing party candidates for the forthcoming elections.
Hon. Kasolo welcomed the President to Kalangala, praising local NRM structures and commending the UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit for improving security and cooperation with fishing communities, while calling for stronger enforcement to address remaining cases of crime on the islands.
