MV Pearl undergoes maintenance after 3-week delay

The maintenance of MV Pearl, a public cargo vessel operating on the Bukakata–Bugoma route, has finally begun at Port Bell in Luzira, three weeks after its services were suspended.

The vessel, managed by Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS), was suspended from service after reaching 60,000 operational hours, the recommended limit before undergoing a routine overhaul.

Prof. John Ssenfuma, KIS board chairperson, explained that the maintenance was delayed due to clearance procedures at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

"We planned everything early enough, but when the spare parts arrived in Uganda, URA insisted on inspecting them to verify that they were indeed vessel parts. That process alone took three months, delaying the start of the maintenance," he said.

The current maintenance will include a major engine overhaul in Luzira, followed by dry docking in Mwanza, Tanzania.

"The overhaul process at Port Bell will take about two weeks. After that, we shall take the vessel to Mwanza for dry docking, where it will be inspected below the waterline to assess its condition," Prof. Ssenfuma added.

District leaders expressed dissatisfaction with URA over the clearance delays that caused transport disruptions across the islands.

"Any delay in ferry operations is a bad experience for tourists and residents alike," said Chairperson Rajab Semakula.

RDC Fred Badda echoed the same concern, "URA should always have experts who can quickly inspect water vessel equipment to prevent such long delays."

MP Hellen Nakimuli expressed confidence that the vessel would soon be back in service.

"We are happy with the progress so far. We trust that MV Pearl will soon resume work and ease transport for our people," she said.

The ongoing works include engine overhaul, generator servicing, and repainting.