Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has officially launched the MV Mpungu, marking a significant milestone in regional trade as Uganda’s first-ever cargo ship operating between Uganda and Tanzania. The vessel, commissioned at Port Bell in Luzira, is set to enhance trade and economic integration by providing a more efficient transport option across Lake Victoria.
During the launch event, which she attended on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni, Nabbanja emphasized that the MV Mpungu will significantly reduce transport costs and improve the speed of cargo delivery. “MV Mpungu will cut that journey to just 16 hours,” she stated, highlighting the vessel’s potential to transform logistics for Ugandan traders who traditionally rely on road transport.
The MV Mpungu, operated by East Africa Marine Transport (EAMT), is designed to carry up to 21 fully laden freight vehicles, equivalent to approximately 1,000 tonnes of cargo per crossing. This development is expected to alleviate congestion on roads and reduce associated costs such as fuel and maintenance.