Africa-Press – Uganda. President Museveni has pledged to address the long-standing challenge of limited ferry operations on the Ssese Islands by restoring night ferry services to improve mobility and boost trade in Kalangala District.
The President made the remarks while addressing thousands of supporters at a campaign rally held at Kibanga Primary School playground in Kalangala.
“On the issue of ferries, I am told they are few, operate for only a few hours, and do not run at night. I do not know why this is the case, but we are going to look into the matter,” President Museveni said.
He recalled past experiences of night travel on Lake Victoria, noting that such services once supported trade and regional connectivity.
The President was responding to concerns raised by Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, NRM Vice Chairperson for the Central Region, who told him that limited ferry schedules continue to slow down business and trade on the islands.
Ferries remain a lifeline for the Ssese Islands, linking residents to the mainland and facilitating the movement of people, goods and services. Currently, most ferries operate only during daytime, restricting fishermen, traders and commuters, increasing transport costs and limiting economic activity.
Security, Roads and Development
Addressing security concerns, President Museveni said the Ssese Islands have enjoyed relative peace for decades but acknowledged reports of theft and crime.
“This area has not seen war in 40 years, which is a result of the work of the NRM. However, there are issues of theft that we must address seriously,” he said.
On infrastructure, the President noted that the Bugoma–Kalangala road requires upgrading, attributing delays partly to weak advocacy.
“I do not even know your MPs. They have not demanded these roads. I appeal to you to vote for leaders who will work for your needs,” he said.
President Museveni commended residents for embracing palm oil cultivation, describing it as a transformative economic activity.
“When we introduced palm oil, you embraced it and now you are benefiting. Your lives are changing for the better,” he said, encouraging farmers to diversify into cattle keeping and poultry farming.
On fishing, he warned against overharvesting and catching immature fish, adding that the government would review the issue of cage fishing to ensure sustainability.
Kalangala District currently has 23 government primary schools and four government secondary schools across seven sub-counties. The President urged authorities to prioritise ensuring each sub-county first has a primary school before expanding further.
“We hope to have a government secondary school in every parish,” he said.
On water access, President Museveni reported that 79 of the district’s 97 villages now have access to safe water. Ongoing projects include the construction and rehabilitation of piped water systems in Dajje, Kisujju and Buziga, among others.
Emphasising wealth creation, the President urged residents, especially youth, to actively engage in income-generating activities.
“Poverty will welcome you if you do not improve your livelihoods. Do not despair when you see the rich; instead, learn how to benefit from available opportunities,” he said, encouraging youth participation in commercial agriculture, livestock and small businesses.
The President also officially handed over NRM flags to party candidates in Kalangala, endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections.
Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune welcomed the President to Kalangala and praised the local NRM leadership for effective mobilisation from district to village level. He also commended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces Fisheries Protection Unit for fostering cooperation with fishing communities, which he said has improved confidence and security.
Residents raised concerns over persistent cases of theft and murder on some fishing islands, calling for stronger enforcement of security measures and official recognition of law enforcement operations at fishing docks.
Kalangala’s infrastructure needs were further highlighted, with calls for construction of the Bukakata–Bulala road and expansion of ferry services to operate at night.
District Progress and Statistics
NRM Chairperson for Kalangala District Gerald Kayita praised the government for strengthening security at fishing landing sites and ferry docks, saying the presence of security forces has significantly reduced crime and restored confidence among fishing communities.
He also credited the palm oil project for providing residents with a steady source of income, describing it as a game-changer for the island economy.
Kalangala District has seven sub-counties and town councils, 17 parishes and 97 villages, with a population of 74,411 according to the 2024 national census.
Under the Parish Development Model, all 17 parishes have received over Shs 6.07 billion, with 86 per cent already disbursed to 5,170 households. Through the Emyooga programme, the district has 34 SACCOs with nearly 12,000 members, supported by Shs 1.6 billion.
The district has 23 government primary schools enrolling 7,573 pupils and four government secondary schools serving 1,028 students. Three seed secondary schools are under construction to ensure every sub-county has a government secondary school.
All seven sub-counties now have access to health facilities, including two HCIVs and six HCIIIs. Access to safe water stands at 81 per cent, and Kalangala has been connected to the national electricity grid, with plans to extend power to the remaining sub-counties in the next term.
Leaders said the progress registered in security, education, health, water, energy and wealth creation reflects the government’s commitment to transforming island communities, while calling for sustained support to address remaining challenges.
The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of supporters.
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