MV Kalangala, a vessel that operates between Entebbe and Kalangala has effective Friday, February 24th 2023, seized its travels to allow engineers carry out a mandatory annual survey and maintenance.
In an Official communication released by Mr. Hakim Bwanika the Public relations Officers at National Oil Distributors Limited the operators of the vessel on behalf of the government of Uganda, MV Kalangala will break-off for a tentative period of one month.
“The Ministry of works and transport Uganda and the management of National Oil Distributors Limited the official operator of MV Kalangala and mV NODL Victoria the ships that plies between Entebbe and Kalangala shall break-off from its normal travelling schedule for mandatory survey and maintenance effective 24th February 2023 for a tentative period of approximately one month. Our management would like to apologise to our esteemed customers for any inconveniences caused,” the press release reads
However, passengers and Tourists traveling between Entebbe and Kalangala are encouraged to use MV NODL under the maintenance period of MV Kalangala. MV NODL will operate in line with MV Kalangala’s usual timetable during the period.
MV NODL carries more passengers, however, it doesn’t carry heavy cargo including vehicles. This implies that those with vehicles will have to travel by road to Masaka, which is about 170 kilometers to connect to Kalangala using either MV Pearl or MV Ssese, which dock at Bukakkata landing site.
Other private Marine Vessels including MV Natalie, MV Vanessa and MV Brovad will also help to transport passengers and Tourists visiting Kalangala islands.
MV Kalangala engines broken down on Friday morning at Lutoboka landing site in Kalangala Town Council as it had prepared to set off to Entebbe.
MSNEWS has learnt that the vessel was supposed to be taken for a mandatory annual survey and maintenance at Luzira, Kampala by early February but the period was prolonged to March.
MV Kalangala Ferry is a government owned ship/ferry that is managed by Nation Oil Distributors Ltd. MV Kalangala has its operations on Lake Victoria and travels between Nakiwogo in Entebbe and Kalangala Islands on a daily basis. The journey between Entebbe and Kalangala lasts for three and half hours.
MV Kalangala was built in 2005, in fulfillment of President Museveni’s 2001 campaign pledge to the islands people.
The servicing of the Ferry, which is technically known as annual docking survey helps to check the vessel’s operational safety status.
During servicing, particular attention will be paid to the stern frame and rudder, shell plating, external and through hull fittings, propeller, three dysfunctional lavatory units, a dysfunctional crane and poor lighting .The operating systems of tankers, chemical carriers and liquefied gas carriers will also considered.
