President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to restore night ferry operations to and from the Ssese Islands and strengthen security in Kalangala District, saying improved transport and safety are vital to trade, livelihoods and the overall development of island communities.
The President made the commitment on Saturday while addressing a large NRM campaign rally at Kibanga Primary School playground in Kalangala, where residents raised concerns about limited ferry schedules and persistent crime on some fishing islands.
“On the issue of ferries, I am told they are few, they operate for only a few hours and they do not move at night. We are going to look into this matter seriously,” Museveni said. “We used to travel at night in the past, even across Lake Victoria. There is no reason why this cannot be addressed.”
He described ferries as the economic lifeline of the Ssese Islands, linking residents to the mainland for trade, fishing and access to social services. Restoring night operations, he said, would ease congestion, lower transport costs and stimulate business.
The President was responding to submissions by the NRM Vice Chairperson for the Central Region, Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, who told the rally that limited ferry schedules were slowing down trade and undermining economic activity in the district.
Security assurances
On security, Museveni assured residents that government would act decisively to curb theft and violent crime reported on some fishing islands.
“This area has enjoyed peace for 40 years because of the NRM. However, I have heard about issues of theft and crime here. We are going to look into this matter seriously,” he said.
He pointed to the deployment of security personnel at fishing landing sites and ferry docks as part of broader efforts to protect livelihoods and maintain order on the islands.
Roads, livelihoods and services
The President also acknowledged the need to upgrade key infrastructure, including the Bugoma–Kalangala road, and urged voters to elect leaders who actively lobby for essential services.
“You must choose leaders who demand roads and services for you,” he said.
Museveni commended residents for embracing palm oil growing, describing it as a transformative project for the island economy, and encouraged farmers to diversify into livestock and poultry farming. He also warned against destructive fishing practices, urging fishermen to avoid catching immature fish and to protect breeding areas.
On social services, the President pledged continued investment in education, water and health, citing progress made while acknowledging remaining gaps. He reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring every sub-county has a government secondary school and extending access to safe water to all villages.
Local leaders react
Kasolo welcomed the President to Kalangala and thanked the government for strengthening security and supporting wealth-creation programmes, particularly palm oil growing. He called for tougher enforcement against crime and round-the-clock ferry operations to unlock the district’s full economic potential.
NRM Chairperson for Kalangala District, Gerald Kayita, praised the deployment of security forces at fishing islands and ferry points, saying it had restored confidence among fishing communities, although challenges of theft and violence persist in some areas.
The President later handed over NRM flags to party candidates in the district, formally endorsing them for the forthcoming elections.
The rally was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of supporters from across the islands.
