Comprehensive maintenance on MV Pearl, the public cargo vessel serving the Bukakata–Bugoma route, has officially commenced at Port Bell in Luzira. This follows a three-week suspension of service triggered by the vessel reaching its recommended 60,000 operational hours, the threshold for routine overhaul.
The vessel, operated by Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS), had its maintenance timeline pushed back due to extended clearance procedures at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). According to Prof. John Ssenfuma, Chairperson of the KIS Board, the delay stemmed from mandatory verification of the imported spare parts.
“We planned everything early enough, but when the spare parts arrived in Uganda, URA insisted on inspecting them to verify that they were indeed vessel parts. That process alone took three months, delaying the start of the maintenance,” Ssenfuma said.
The ongoing maintenance involves a major engine overhaul currently taking place at Port Bell, along with servicing of the vessel’s generators and a full repainting of the exterior.
Once the Luzira phase is complete, the vessel will be transported to Mwanza, Tanzania, for dry docking, where inspectors will examine the hull and other components below the waterline to assess the vessel’s structural integrity.
Ssenfuma confirmed that the overhaul at Port Bell is expected to last approximately two weeks before the vessel proceeds to Mwanza.
District leaders expressed frustration over the clearance setback, noting that the interruption in ferry services disrupted transport for both residents and tourists who rely on MV Pearl as a vital link to the islands.
“Any delay in ferry operations is a bad experience for tourists and residents alike,” said District Chairperson Rajab Semakula.
Resident District Commissioner Fred Badda urged URA to improve its efficiency in handling specialized equipment.
“URA should always have experts who can quickly inspect water vessel equipment to prevent such long delays,” he said.
Area Member of Parliament Hellen Nakimuli expressed optimism about the progress and reassured the public that normal operations would soon resume.
“We are happy with the progress so far. We trust that MV Pearl will soon resume work and ease transport for our people,” she said.
KIS has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring the vessel to full operation to ensure safe and reliable transport for island communities.