By KT Reporter
Leaders and the business community in the Bunyoro sub-region have tasked the government to establish passenger and cargo ferry services on Lake Albert to link Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to boost trade and commerce.
The leaders say the absence of passenger and cargo ferry services on Lake Albert connecting the two countries has hampered trade between the two countries.
According to the leaders, many people from the Bunyoro sub-region would like to transact business in the DR Congo, but due to the lack of ferry services, they are being affected.
Jacob Karubanga, the Chairperson of the Bunyoro Parliamentary Caucus, notes that the establishment of a ferry that connects the region to the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is very crucial to boost trade and commerce.
Pius Wakabi, the Bugahya county Member of Parliament in Hoima district, says, many traders fear crossing the lake with boats to go and transact business in the DR Congo due to the risks involved while traveling with boats.
He says, the establishment of a ferry on the lake will enable the business community from both countries to easily travel and transact business uninterrupted.
Fred Lukumu, the Buliisa LCV Chairperson, says, once established, the ferry services can significantly boost trade by facilitating the movement of goods and people, connecting both countries and potentially lowering transportation costs.
Vincent Alpha Opio, the Kikuube LCV Vice Chairperson, says the ferry services would help in strengthening connectivity between the people of Bunyoro and the DR Congo.
Charles Wathum, a trader at Kaiso landing site in Hoima district who transacts fish business in the DR Congo, says, transport networks are vital for the prosperity of both countries, adding that the establishment of the ferry will facilitate passenger and cargo flows, hence booming trade.
Sharon Akumu, another fishmonger from Kyehoro landing site in Kikuube who transacts business at Kasenyi-Tchomia in the Eastern DR Congo, says, there are many risks involved while transporting passengers and Cargo with boats via the lake Albert waters to and from the DR Congo stating that, the establishment of the ferry will be very crucial.
Many Ugandan traders have lost their lives on Lake Albert waters as they cross to transact business in the democratic republic of Congo using transport boats. Several boats have capsized on Lake Albert while transporting passengers and cargo to the DR Congo-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
