New marine vessel to ply Entebbe, Jinja route

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Travellers on water transport routes between Jinja and Kalangala now have one option, following the introduction of MV Vanessa, a new private marine vessel operating on Lake Victoria.

The MV Vanessa Yacht was brought into the country on February 28, by Port Nyanza Evergreen Waterways. It is now parked at Water Front Beach in Entebbe awaiting the launch of its official operations on Saturday, March 16 with a maiden voyage to Jinja.

The vessel will be transporting passengers at a cost of USD 45 (165,000 Shillings) for an onward trip and USD 85 (315,000) for a return Journey, departing from Water Front Beach, Entebbe at 9 a.m. and returning from Jinja at 2 pm on Monday, Friday and Sunday. Uganda does not have a marine vessel that transports people from Entebbe to Jinja.

According to Augustine Kibaya the vessel operations manager, MV Vanessa has a capacity to move at a speed of 40 knots, twice that of MV Kalangala the vessel that currently transports people and cargo to Kalangala.

“Instead of taking 4 to 5 hours to complete 90 to 110 kilometres, you can now get to your destination by boat in only 2.5 hours. Transport which will provide you with comfort, safety and stunning views of Lake Victoria and the Ugandan coastline, all while avoiding the traffic jams and craziness of the roads.” reads a promo on the Port Nyanza Evergreen Website.

Kibaya says that by June, the vessel is expected to transport people to Kalangala on weekends at a cost of 120,000 Shillings for a return journey. The marine vessel is also equipped with safety kits including buoys and Lifesaving vests.

Alphonse Kirya, the vessel engineer says that its displacement weight is lighter than that of a larger marine cargo vessel, which makes it easier to move faster on water. The Vessel has also been awarded a seaworthy certificate to transport people.

Rashid Kiyimba, a hotelier and travel agent in Kalangala district is optimistic that MV Vanessa will ease transport to and from the island district especially for tourists and business partners who want to spend less time travelling on water.

Also, those travelling to Kalangala from Entebbe have for the past 12 years been relying on the services of MV Kalangala.

*******

URN