Koome–Katosi Ferry Launch Delayed as Residents Express Disappointment

What the report says

Nile Post reported that the planned launch of the Koome–Katosi ferry in Mukono District did not take place after residents waited for hours at Katosi landing site for a vessel that never arrived. The service had been expected to connect Katosi with Koome Islands on Lake Victoria, and many people reportedly came with luggage hoping to use the first trip.

According to the report, the delay followed a meeting in which Mukono leaders, including the Chief Administrative Officer, area Members of Parliament and District Chairperson Francis Lukooya Mukoome, rejected a vessel presented by the Ministry of Works and Transport. The leaders said it appeared to be a passenger boat rather than the ferry residents had been promised, because it could not carry vehicles alongside passengers and cargo. Katosi Town Council councillor Nathan Wampi was cited saying the government commitment had been for a ferry able to transport people, luggage and vehicles.

The failed launch matters because island residents currently rely on boats, with fares reported by Nile Post at between Shs15,000 and Shs21,000 for travel between Katosi and Koome. Residents said these costs have constrained movement and business. Mukono District Woman MP Sheila Amaniyo said the ferry could improve trade, tourism and access to health services for people travelling to Mukono and Kampala.

Some youths who earn income from loading and unloading boats also voiced concern that a ferry could disrupt their livelihoods and asked for alternative opportunities. Mukoome urged patience, pointing to possible poor coordination and unfinished facilities such as docking infrastructure and a passenger waiting area. Nile Post said the Ministry of Works and Transport had not issued an explanation or a new launch date by the end of the day.