Calls for patience as MV Albert Nile 1 set for repairs

The regular users of the now out-of-service MV Albert Nile 1 ferry will have to continue turning to alternative means.

The vessel operates on Lake Albert between Panyimur landing site in Pakwach district and Wanseko in Buliisa district. But its operations were suspended early this month (March) after defects were observed on the ferry.

It is not known when its services will resume.

Works and transport ministry’s Allan Ssempebwa told Kabalega FM on Tuesday (March 25) that they are not certain when MV Albert Nile 1 will be back in operation.

“By last week, our teams were still conducting assessments on the vessel and to prepare for repairs, including mobilization of the components and spare parts to use and mobilization of resources,” he told Vision Group’s Hoima-based radio station.

“I know that we are getting resources soon and perhaps by the end of next week, we will interact again and share with each other updates we shall have managed to achieve by then.

“The date of reopening remains uncertain because we shall have to mobilize the necessary resources for repairs, because the maintenance came at a time when we didn’t have resources”, explained Ssempebwa.

He urged travellers on the route to “be patient with us and understand or appreciate the current situation we are in”.

While the resumption date may be uncertain, what is certain, according to Ssempebwa, is that it will not be a permanent case.

“It is a temporary situation and soon we will be able to resume services on this ferry,” he assured.

“Our teams are not seated. They are still undertaking assessment of the vessel and they will be able to determine what nature of repairs and the resources needed.”

Nearly 6 years in operation

MV Albert Nile 1 was commissioned in July 2018.

It was built and delivered by a partnership of SECO Marine & Offshore Engineering and Damen Shipyards Group.

The vessel is a roll on roll off (RoRo) modular ferry specially designed to transport passengers and vehicles across Lake Albert.

With a capacity of carrying 250 people and 20 vehicles, MV Albert Nile 1 was transported by road from Mombasa to its final destination and assembled on-site in Uganda.