By URN
Uganda National Roads Authority-UNRA has temporarily suspended the operations of the Wanseko-Panyimur ferry following mechanical defects.
In Press statement issued by Uganda National Roads Authority-UNRA, the ferry experienced mechanical defects which require it to be put out of service for repairs to guarantee safe operations.
“Uganda National Roads Authority-UNRA informs the general public and the users of Albert Nile 1 ferry which connect Pakwach and Buliisa districts through the Panyimur-Wanseko ferry route that the Albert Nile 1 ferry experienced mechanical defects which require it to be put out of service for repairs to guarantee safe operations. Therefore effective 29th October 2024, the Panyimur-Wanseko ferry route will be closed until the ferry is safe for operations,”Reads the press statement.
UNRA has thus advised passengers to use alternative route by road through Murchison National Park via Masindi-Kampala and Masindi National Park-via Buliisa-Hoima-Kampala.
The Albert Nile ferry plies the 12-nautical-mile route from Panyimur in Pakwach district to Wanseko in Buliisa district three times a day.
The ferry is also the major link for regional towns like Hoima, Kigorobya, Masindi, Biiso, Buliisa, Kikuube, and Wanseko in Bunyoro in the Albertine, and Panyimur, Dei, Pakwach, Nebbi, Paidha, and Arua in West Nile and the Democratic- Republic of Congo DRC.
Thousands of people from various parts of the country use the ferry for various reasons including business.
The suspension of the ferry services is likely to take a big toll on business in Bunyoro and West Nile sub regions.
In July 2022, Uganda National Roads Authority-UNRA suspended the operations of the Wanseko-Panyimur ferry when the water levels at its docking pier at Wanseko landing site drastically reduced and could not allow effective landing. This paralyzed business and transport between Bunyoro and West Nile regions for long.
