Transport paralyzed as Kazinga channel ferry breaks down

Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Transport between Mbarara and Kasese district is paralysed following the breakdown of the ferry operating at Kazinga Channel bridge. The ferry is now docked in Rubirizi district.

Towards the end of June this year, Uganda National Roads Authority-UNRA started providing ferry services across Kazinga channel following the temporary closure of Kazinga Channel bridge along Kasese-Rubirizi road at Katunguru for emergency rehabilitation works.

However, the ferry has broken down paralyzing transport between Mbarara and Kasese district, leaving several travelers stranded. Apparently, some of the travelers have resorted to using boats to cross Kazinga Channel bridge.

Emmanuel Kakuru, a truck driver from Kanungu district says the situation at the bridge has brought everything to a halt. He says that they were told that it will take two days for the ferry to resume operations.

James Tumusiime, a driver of tourists says that they have resorted to using boats that were previously providing transport to the tourists. He says tourists work on time, saying any delays cost them extra bucks.

Ashraf Kayiima, a taxi driver says the breakdown of the ferry has increased transport fares noting that they have been asking for Shillings 15,000 from Mbarara to Kasese and now pay an extra Shillings 5000 to boat operators. He says the new costs by boat operators are a burden to the passengers because the ferry services were free.

Ismail Kyazze, the ferry manager UNRA says that the ferry repair will take a few days.

One of the engineers repairing the ferry told URN on condition of anonymity that they are doing whatever it takes to ensure the ferry resumes. He says it might take them two days to complete all the repairs.

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URN