Leaders from Mukono District, Members of Parliament, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and local leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to fast-track the long-awaited Katosi–Koome Ferry Project, describing it as a transformative initiative that will improve water transport, trade, and socio-economic development for communities along the shores of Lake Victoria.
The engagement brought together Mukono District Chairperson Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome, Mukono District Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Dr. Sheila Dravile Amaniyo, Mukono South Member of Parliament Hon. Robert Maseruka, Deputy Resident District Commissioner Mr. Muyambi Moses, Katosi Town Council Mayor Mr. Wanyama Robert Mbongo, Koome Sub-county Chairperson Mr. Kiyinji Lawrence, LC I Chairpersons, district leaders, residents, and a technical team led by the Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Henry Ddamba, Katosi Town Clerk Mr. Kenneth Magom, Acting District Engineer Eng. Herbert Lutwama, officers from Katosi Town Council, and officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Welcoming the delegation, the Acting LC I Chairperson, Mr Bbosa Joseph thanked residents for attending the meeting and expressed appreciation to the Government of Uganda and Mukono District leadership for prioritizing the ferry project. He noted that for many years residents have depended on small boats to cross the lake, exposing them to risks while limiting trade and movement.
Katosi Town Council Mayor, Mr. Wanyama Robert Mbongo, commended the Government led by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for supporting communities through programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM). He assured residents that the ferry is available and that the current focus is on constructing and inspecting suitable docking facilities before operations commence.
He further appealed for the modernization of Katosi Landing Site and increased support for road gangs responsible for maintaining access roads and drainage systems. He emphasized that improving the landing site would enable fish from Katosi to access regional and international markets.
The Chairperson of Koome Sub-county, Mr. Kiyinji Lawrence, expressed optimism that the ferry project would soon become a reality after many years without reliable transport between Koome Island and the mainland. He said the ferry would greatly improve the movement of passengers and goods while boosting economic activities in the island communities.
Mukono District Woman MP, Hon. Dr. Sheila Dravile Amaniyo, thanked residents for the confidence they placed in her and reaffirmed her commitment to representing their interests. She urged the Ministry of Works and Transport to ensure the ferry is delivered as planned and encouraged residents to remain patient as Government completes the necessary technical preparations.
Mukono South MP, Hon. Robert Maseruka, explained that technical assessments had identified the need to establish appropriate docking sites before ferry operations begin. He revealed that a joint committee comprising officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport and Mukono District Local Government had already been constituted to oversee site selection, monitor preparations, and supervise pilot navigation exercises before commissioning the ferry.
He assured residents that once operational, the ferry would provide free transport services for both passengers and goods.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner Mr. Muyambi Moses emphasized that ferry operations require careful planning to guarantee safety and long-term sustainability. He commended Mukono’s Members of Parliament for working together to advocate for the project and applauded Mukono District Chairperson Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome for his continued commitment to effective service delivery.
Mr. Muyambi also urged LC I Chairpersons to promote transparency in implementing the Parish Development Model by conducting open village meetings and ensuring that government programmes benefit all eligible residents fairly and without discrimination.
Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome assured residents that Government is undertaking all the necessary technical preparations to ensure that the ferry begins operations efficiently and sustainably.
He welcomed the unity demonstrated by Members of Parliament and other leaders in advancing the project, noting that meaningful development can only be achieved when leaders work together toward a shared vision.
The District Chairperson further revealed that a Fisheries Management Committee led by Mr. Lawrence Busuulwa had already been established, with additional committees to be constituted to oversee other aspects of the ferry project and strengthen fisheries management within the area.
Hon. Lukooya thanked residents for their patience and cooperation and assured them that Mukono District would continue working closely with the Ministry of Works and Transport until the ferry becomes operational.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Mukono District leaders, Members of Parliament, Government agencies, and local communities to successfully implement the Katosi–Koome Ferry Project. Leaders emphasized that proper technical planning, transparent implementation, and active community participation are essential to ensuring the ferry operates safely and sustainably.
Once completed, the ferry is expected to transform water transport, facilitate trade, improve access to social services, strengthen fisheries development, and stimulate socio-economic growth for the people of Katosi, Koome, and the wider Lake Victoria region.
