By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
Government has today, Friday, February 20, 2026 commissioned the two BKK Ferries; MV BKK 1 AND BKK 2 under the BKK Ferry Project.
A brief statement on X by the Ministry says, “Today, we are commissioning the two BKK Ferries — MV BKK 1 & 2 — under the BKK Ferry Project.”
Dignitaries in attendance at the BKK Ferry Project commissioning ceremony include the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, representing H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Ministers and Members of Parliament, district leaders from Buyende, Kaberamaido and Serere, technical officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, and representatives of the contractor, M/s Songoro Marine Transport.
“This milestone strengthens safe water transport and enhances connectivity between Buyende (Bukungu), Kaberamaido (Akampala) & Serere (Kagwara) across Lake Kyoga,” reads the statement.
MV BKK 1 will connect Bukungu in Buyende district to Kagwara, serving Serere and Soroti communities while MV BKK 2 will link Bukungu to Akampala, in Kaberemaido.
The two modern vessels have capacity of 310 passengers each, with crew facilities, washrooms, cafeterias & accessibility features.
The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and Songoro Marine Transport Limited completed successful sea trials for two marine vessels on Lake Kyoga in 2025 marking a major step in enhancing water transport. These vessels will significantly improve connectivity in Uganda’s Eastern region.
The ferries will create seamless connections across eight districts, including Busoga, Teso, Kaberamaido, and the Lango sub-region.
The project, initially scheduled for one year, took two years due to unforeseen challenges. Funded with a Shs60 billion budget, it was a partnership between the Government of Uganda and Tanzanian marine company Songoro Marine Transport.
Local communities, particularly in the Bukungu landing site in Buyende district, are eager for the positive impact these ferries will bring.
Fishermen and residents are calling for the expedited construction of the Ambercourt-Mbulamuti-Bukungu road to improve land transport connectivity.
