President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has committed to restoring night ferry services to and from the Ssese Islands and enhancing security in Kalangala District, underscoring the importance of reliable transport and safety in supporting trade, livelihoods and the development of island communities.
The President made the pledge on Saturday while addressing a National Resistance Movement (NRM) campaign rally at Kibanga Primary School playground in Kalangala. During the rally, residents voiced concerns over limited ferry operating hours and rising incidents of crime on some fishing islands.
Museveni acknowledged the challenges facing island residents, noting that ferry services were currently inadequate, operating for limited hours and not running at night. He said government would urgently review the matter, pointing out that night ferry travel had been possible in the past, including across Lake Victoria.
Describing ferries as the economic backbone of the Ssese Islands, the President said restoring night operations would improve connectivity with the mainland, reduce congestion, cut transport costs and stimulate business and fishing activities.
His remarks followed submissions by NRM Vice Chairperson for the Central Region, Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, who told the gathering that restricted ferry schedules were constraining trade and slowing economic growth in the district.
Security assurances
On security, Museveni assured residents that government would take firm action to address theft and violent crime reported on some fishing islands. He noted that Kalangala had enjoyed decades of stability under the NRM but acknowledged emerging security challenges that required urgent attention.
He said security deployments at fishing landing sites and ferry docks would be strengthened as part of wider efforts to protect livelihoods and maintain law and order on the islands.
Infrastructure, livelihoods and services
The President also highlighted the need to upgrade key infrastructure, including the Bugoma–Kalangala road, and urged voters to elect leaders who actively advocate for improved services.
Museveni commended residents for embracing palm oil growing, describing it as a major driver of economic transformation in the district. He encouraged farmers to diversify into livestock and poultry farming, while cautioning fishermen against illegal and destructive fishing practices, including harvesting immature fish and damaging breeding grounds.
On social services, the President reaffirmed government’s commitment to investing in education, water and health. He cited progress made in expanding access to these services, while pledging to address remaining gaps, including ensuring that every sub-county has a government secondary school and extending clean water to all villages.
Local leaders react
Haruna Kasolo welcomed the President to Kalangala and thanked government for strengthening security and supporting wealth-creation initiatives such as palm oil production. He called for tougher enforcement against crime and the introduction of round-the-clock ferry operations to unlock the district’s full economic potential.
Kalangala District NRM Chairperson Gerald Kayita praised the deployment of security personnel at fishing islands and ferry points, saying it had improved confidence among fishing communities, although some security challenges persist.
The President later handed over NRM flags to party candidates in the district, officially endorsing them ahead of the forthcoming elections. The rally was attended by members of the NRM Central Executive Committee, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of supporters from across the islands.
