national 24 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
MV Pearl Ferry Returns to Shore After Vehicle Catches Fire
The MV Pearl ferry, operating between Bugoma and Masaka, had to turn back to its starting point after a vehicle carrying batteries erupted in flames shortly after departure. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mv-pearl-returns-to-bugoma-after-vehicle-catches-fire-5607806
A routine journey on the MV Pearl ferry turned alarming on Thursday when a vehicle onboard caught fire, forcing the vessel to return to the Bugoma docking pier. The incident occurred around 11 am, just minutes after the ferry had commenced its trip from Bugoma in Kalangala District to Bukakata in Masaka District.
A passenger, Simon Ssejweeka, reported that the burning vehicle was a double-cabin pickup truck believed to be owned by a telecommunications company. The truck was reportedly transporting batteries from Kalangala to Masaka.
Ssejweeka described hearing a spark from the vehicle as passengers were boarding. Smoke was then observed emanating from the truck shortly after the ferry set off. The ferry’s captain, Augustine Kasirye, attempted to extinguish the fire with an available extinguisher, but the flames intensified.
As the fire became uncontrollable and began spreading to the vehicle’s interior, passengers alerted the captain. He promptly turned the ferry around to return to Bugoma. The situation escalated as the approaching fire showed signs of spreading to other vehicles on board.
Upon docking, the burning vehicle was safely removed from the ferry. The fire was eventually contained with the assistance of a rescue team that arrived by boat with additional firefighting equipment. Passengers expressed gratitude to the captain and crew for their swift actions in ensuring everyone’s safety.
Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS), the company managing the ferry, had not released an official statement at the time of reporting. Kalangala District Speaker Avius Muwombeefu praised the crew’s efforts and highlighted the need for improved firefighting and rescue services in the district, suggesting that night operations could also help alleviate congestion at the pier.