Gen Muhanga inspects construction work on a ferry
On the Semliki River, Gen Muhanga inspects construction work on a ferry connecting Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
On the Semliki River, Gen Muhanga inspects construction work on a ferry connecting Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Maj Gen Kayanja Muhanga, the UPDF’s overall Commander Operation Shujja, has visited the Hayibale landing location on the River Semliki in Rwebisengo county’s Ntoroko district to oversee the ongoing building work for a ferry.
The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) is attempting to build a ferry that will connect Uganda to the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on the Semliki River (DRC).
The ferry will be operating in a few days, carrying loads of no more than 35 tons and 100 passengers, according to Maj Gen Kayanja.
In return, he expressed his delight at the construction work’s progress.
“The security and trade between the two countries will be multiplied by this ferry.” “Movement of troops and goods to the operational area would be shortened once the ferry is operational,” Maj Gen Kayanja noted.
Mr. Mesach Kawamara, RDC Ntoroko district, praised the government for the ferry, saying it will facilitate trade between Uganda and the DRC.
“I appreciate the swift response from the government, and the inhabitants of Ntoroko, particularly those in Rwebisengo, are quite excited to have a ferry.” “This development will increase trade between the two countries,” he said.
The erection of a ferry at Hayibale landing location delighted King Rutahaba Ibanda of Mitego kingdom, who was leading a group from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He described the challenges his people encounter travelling into Uganda via Lake Albert and Ntoroko town.
“The Congo’s Hema and Uganda’s Batuku are kin and livestock keepers who meet on a daily basis. My people have been having trouble getting from Bunia to Ntoroko across Lake Albert. We’re abandoning the lengthier and riskier route now that the ship has arrived,” Omukama Rutahaba remarked.
He congratulated both President Felix Tshisedi and Yoweri Museveni for the two countries’ peaceful coexistence.
Moses Bongaliya, the LC1 chairman for Hayibale village in Bweramule sub county, could not hide his delight at the new boat.
He claimed that in the week since the ferry’s construction began, the villagers have already realized the benefits of selling their goods and enjoying the freshly completed route connecting Hayibale landing site to Bundibugyo road.
“This development has made my folks very delighted.” The road has been improved, and the ferry will now reduce the distance between us and our Congo relatives. “Thank you, Ugandan Police Forces and Government,” Bongaliya remarked.
The installation of a ferry on the Semuliki River comes at a time when the UPDF and FARDC are pursuing ADF militants in the Virunga and Ituri impenetrable forests.
This operation faced a tough terrain obstacle, with steep hills, valleys, multiple rivers, and bad roads that stretched communication links.
Once the ferry is operational, it is expected that communication will be shortened, resulting in a greater push to eliminate ADF from Eastern DRC.