MV Kalangala has officially resumed operations after being out of service for three months of scheduled maintenance in Mwanza, Tanzania.
The vessel, which is the only government-operated ferry connecting Entebbe to Kalangala, had been withdrawn on May 7 for dry-docking and safety checks.
According to Tanzanian authorities, the maintenance included hull inspection, engine tuning, installation of new fireproof doors, a sewage treatment system, and upgrades to navigation equipment. These procedures are carried out regularly to ensure passenger and cargo safety.
Hajji Sadala Musoke, head of Nation Oil Distributors Limited, the company managing the vessel on behalf of government, confirmed that MV Kalangala passed sea trials in Tanzania before being cleared to return. He added that final test runs were conducted on Lake Victoria to make sure the ferry was ready for full service. He explained that after arrival at Nakiwogo, Entebbe, engineers noticed some black smoke, prompting further checks before reopening for passengers.
During the three months without MV Kalangala, travelers depended on smaller vessels such as MV NODL Express and MV Vanessa. However, these ferries do not transport vehicles, making it difficult for motorists and traders. Those transporting heavy goods were forced to take a 170-kilometer detour to Masaka before crossing by MV Pearl or MV Ssese at Bukakkata, a route that turned out to be both costly and time-consuming. Residents reported that fuel expenses nearly tripled due to the detour, putting pressure on household and business budgets.
The tourism sector also suffered, with hotel operators noting a drop in bookings. Many visitors prefer traveling with their vehicles, something only MV Kalangala accommodates on the direct route from Entebbe. Local guesthouse owners said the absence of the ferry discouraged clients, particularly those from Kampala. On average, Kalangala attracts around 4,000 tourists a year, a number that rises above 10,000 during peak festive seasons.
MV Kalangala was launched in 2005 as part of a government pledge to island residents. It has the capacity to carry up to 100 passengers, between 8 and 12 vehicles, and about 149 tonnes of cargo. Local leaders have welcomed its return but caution that the vessel is aging and needs to be replaced soon to meet the growing transport demands of the district.
