BKK Ferry and Water Ambulance Revolutionize Transport in Serere

The launch of the Bukungu-Kagwara-Kaberamaido (BKK) ferry service has brought transformative changes to the communities bordering Lake Kyoga in Serere District. For decades, crossing the lake between the Teso and Busoga sub-regions was a costly and often precarious affair, relying on private speedboats. However, the government-operated ferry service, initiated in February 2026, offers free passage for both passengers and cargo, dramatically reducing transportation expenses and boosting local trade.

Each ferry, designed to carry hundreds of passengers and vehicles, operates six days a week, facilitating daily commutes and the movement of goods. This service has particularly benefited fishermen and traders, who previously faced significant fares for transporting themselves, their families, and their produce across the lake. George William Ajoi, a fisherman with 47 years of experience, highlighted that a family crossing the lake could pay over Shs10,000, with livestock transport incurring even higher costs. “Now both animals, human beings and trucks are being treated to free transport means across the water,” he stated.

Beyond passenger transport, a government-provided rescue speedboat ambulance stationed at Kagwara landing site serves a crucial role in maritime safety. This vessel aids fishermen in distress and is available to transport patients to medical facilities when needed, addressing a critical gap in emergency response on the lake.

The BKK ferry service is also fostering economic growth by connecting markets in Teso and Busoga. Traders are increasingly utilizing the ferry to transport goods such as livestock, grains, and fruits, with estimates suggesting over 2,000 passengers use the service weekly. Local leaders, like Kagwara Sub-county LC3 chairperson Bernard Odikor, note that the ferry has also reduced their personal travel costs to Kampala by approximately Shs40,000 per trip.

While the service has been highly beneficial, completion of infrastructure at landing sites, including waiting areas and improved sanitation, is still pending. Additionally, upgrading the road network connecting Kagwara to major transport routes is seen as essential for unlocking the ferry service’s full potential and further expanding trade opportunities. The government’s commitment to completing the second ferry and improving road access is eagerly anticipated by the communities.

This information is based on a report from the Daily Monitor.