KITAGWENDA — The Ministry of Works and Transport has begun preliminary plans to establish a ferry at Mahyoro Landing Site in Kitagwenda District, a project expected to improve transportation and facilitate the movement of cattle, fish and other goods across Lake George.
The proposed ferry follows a pledge made by President Yoweri Museveni during a 2025 presidential campaign rally at Kayombo Primary School in Kitagwenda Town Council, where he promised residents that government would improve transport services by introducing a ferry at the landing site.
Currently, traders transporting cattle and other goods between Kitagwenda and Kasese districts rely on the Ibanda–Kitagwenda–Kyambura road, a longer route that takes about three hours and significantly increases transport costs.
On Monday, a technical team from the Ministry of Works and Transport visited Mahyoro Landing Site to conduct a feasibility assessment and technical survey to determine the most suitable ferry route and the type of vessel required to serve the area.
Speaking during the assessment, Joseph Wembabazi, a representative of the Ministry of Works and Transport, said the project remains in its preliminary stages.
"We are currently preparing a technical report which will be submitted to the ministry for further guidance and consideration for implementation," Wembabazi said.
Mahyoro Town Council Chairperson Joshua Natumanya said the proposed ferry would provide a major boost to commerce in the region by reducing transport costs and travel time for livestock traders.
"Mahyoro Landing Site serves more than 2,000 cattle traders who have been struggling with limited and costly transport options to move cattle from neighbouring districts to Kasese. Once the ferry is established, it will reduce travel distances and improve business operations," Natumanya said.
Residents welcomed the planned project, expressing optimism that improved water transport would stimulate trade, attract investment and create new economic opportunities.
"We believe the introduction of a ferry will transform trade at the landing site, attract more business opportunities and improve livelihoods for people in this area," one resident said.
The proposed ferry is expected to serve communities around Lake George, providing a faster and more efficient transport alternative while strengthening trade links between Kitagwenda, Kasese, Ibanda, Kazo and neighbouring districts.
If approved for implementation, the project will add to Uganda's growing network of government ferries that have been introduced to improve connectivity, reduce transport costs and support economic development in areas separated by lakes and rivers.
