A new freight vessel, the M.V. Mpungu, has been launched on Lake Victoria, marking a significant milestone in the development of East Africa’s maritime industry.
The vessel, which was commissioned in Port Bell, Uganda, is expected to provide a faster and safer alternative to road freight, cutting journey times from days to hours.
According to officials, the M.V. Mpungu has the capacity to carry up to 21 fully laden freight vehicles per crossing, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution for regional logistics.
Speaking at the commissioning event, the Right Honourable Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, emphasized the vessel’s potential to drive economic and environmental progress.
“This vessel is a milestone for East Africa, advancing our trade and environmental priorities while strengthening regional ties,” she said.
The project, which was made possible through funding from the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), the UK, Swiss, and Dutch governments, is expected to create new economic opportunities and support the growth of regional trade.
The M.V. Mpungu is the first of its kind on Lake Victoria, and is expected to set a new standard for maritime transport in the region.
The vessel, which was built in Uganda at a purpose-built facility, has been designed to meet international standards, with a focus on safety and efficiency.
According to the vessel’s owners, East Africa Marine Transport, the M.V. Mpungu will operate on a scheduled basis, with a minimum of two crossings per week between Port Bell, Uganda, and the port at Mwanza, Tanzania.
The launch of the M.V. Mpungu marks a significant milestone in the development of East Africa’s maritime industry, and is expected to play a key role in driving economic growth and integration across the region.
As the vessel begins its operations, it is expected to make a significant impact on the regional economy, reducing transport costs and increasing trade volumes.
The project has also created new job opportunities, with over 140 jobs created during the construction and operational phases of the project.
In addition, the vessel’s owners have committed to providing training and development opportunities for local mariners, with a focus on building capacity and promoting skills transfer.
