Government Advances Plans for Mukono–Ggaba Ferry as Joint Monitoring of Development Projects Intensifies

The Mukono District Local Government, in partnership with the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, has intensified monitoring of development projects while advancing plans to establish a ferry connection between Mukono and Ggaba.

The multi-Sectoral monitoring exercise brought together district leaders, technical teams, and officials from the central government to assess the progress of ongoing projects and ensure effective utilization of public funds as the financial year draws to a close.

Mukono District is currently implementing several capital development projects across lower local governments in sectors such as education, health, production, work, and water. These projects are funded through government grants including the School Facilitation Grant, Primary Health Care Grant, Water Sector Development Grant, Discretionary Development Equalizations Grant, and the Uganda Road Fund.

The monitoring team was led by Monica Edemacu, Under Secretary for the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, and included officials from the Ministry of Works, district leaders such as Vice Chairperson Jorem Kabali Kimera, Speaker Betty Hope Nakasi, Secretary for Works Robert Mwesigwa Ssentongo, and the district technical team headed by CAO Henry Ddamba.

The team inspected several key projects, including the Ntenjeru–Buule road in Mpatta Sub-county, classroom construction and sanitation facilities in Mpunge, and the proposed Buule Landing Site earmarked for the ferry project.

During the reconnaissance mission, officials assessed the feasibility of introducing water transport linking Mukono to Ggaba. The team evaluated the road network from Kisoga through Katosi to Buule Landing Site and proposed a ferry route across Lake Victoria, estimated to take between 30 to 45 minutes.

The monitoring exercise also covered projects such as classroom construction at Buleebi Primary School in Mpunge Sub-county, fencing and sanitation facilities at Mpunge Seed School, and the construction of a VIP latrine at Nsanja Church of Uganda Primary School in Katosi Town Council.

Officials noted that technical teams will conduct further feasibility studies, including water surveys and landing site designs, before government commits resources to procure the ferry. The project is expected to reduce travel time and transport costs between Kampala, Mukono, Jinja, and Entebbe.

Vice Chairperson Jorem Kabali Kimera welcomed the joint monitoring exercise, describing it as a strong example of collaboration between the district and central government. He commended the progress of ongoing projects but urged contractors to speed up work to meet agreed timelines and avoid delays.

Meanwhile, Monica Edemacu emphasized that the ferry initiative aligns with the broader Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area development agenda, which aims to improve connectivity, accessibility, and mobility. She noted that increasing traffic congestion in Kampala makes alternative transport solutions like water transport necessary.

She added that Buule remains relatively inaccessible despite its proximity, making the proposed ferry link a strategic intervention under the National Development Plan IV. She also called on residents to cooperate with survey teams during the feasibility studies.

The Chief Administrative Officer of Mukono, Henry Ddamba, acknowledged that while progress has been made on several projects, some contractors are still behind schedule. He emphasized the need to speed up implementation to ensure timely completion.

The joint initiative highlights the strong partnership between Mukono District Local Government and central government in advancing infrastructure development and improving service delivery. The proposed Mukono–Ggaba ferry project is expected to ease traffic congestion, shorten travel time, and enhance economic opportunities within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.

Leaders have urged contractors, technical teams, and local communities to work together to ensure the successful completion of all projects, noting that collaboration and accountability remain key to sustainable development.