The operators of MV Kalangala have been granted permission by the ministry of Works and Transport to make an extra trip to Kalangala due to the increased number of travellers.
Since inception in 2008, MV Kalangala has been making a single daily return journey to Ssese islands from Nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe.
Now, Nation Oil Distributors have been granted permission to make the extra night trip after being given the green light by ministry of Works and Transport. Works permanent secretary, Samson Bagonza has written to the managing director Nation Oil Distributors, Sadala Musoke authorizing them to conduct the extra trip.
"The ministry has found it necessary to adjust the schedule of MV Kalangala during the festive Christmas holiday to serve the public better while observing the recommended loading capacity," Bagonza indicated.
Several stakeholders in Kalangala district and the ministry of Works had earlier complained of the excessive loading of passengers by the ferry operators.
However the clearance of the vessel to operate an additional trip has met criticism from different stake holders who are skeptical about the vessel transporting people beyond 7.00pm without insurance and navigation lights.
Isaac Ssentongo a member of the district infrastructure committee, says it is dangerous for a vessel without enough navigation lights to operate at night yet government lacks rescue centres. Professional rescue can only be got from Entebbe airport and Civil Aviation Authority, about 51 nautical miles away from Kalangala district.
Sadala Musoke, the managing director Nation Oil Distributors has welcomed the decision by the ministry to allow them to increase their trips to transport all tourists going to and from Kalangala.
Sadala says they will equip the ferry with the required equipment to allow them traverse Lake Victoria for longer hours. The new trip started yesterday December 22 to January 4, 2019.