Uganda has introduced its first roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) cargo ship, MV Mpungu to ease transportation across Lake Victoria. The vessel, operated by East Aria Marine Transport (EAMT), a partnership between Grindrod Limited and the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) InfraCo Africa, will facilitate the movement of vehicles, trucks, and commercial cargo.
Unlike traditional cargo handling that requires cranes, MV Mpungu allows vehicles to drive directly onto and off the ship using a ramp, reducing handling time and improving efficiency.
Speaking at the launch at Port Bell in Luzira, Grindrod CEO Xolani Mbambo emphasized the project's impact on logistics in the region.
“We are dedicated to revolutionizing freight transportation across Lake Victoria by cutting transit times from days to hours,” Mbambo said.
The vessel will initially operate between Port Bell in Uganda and Mwanza in Tanzania before extending services to Kenya.
“As MV Mpungu serves as the cornerstone of an effective logistical network around Lake Victoria, we are thrilled to provide long-lasting value by making cargo transit smoother and faster,” Mbambo added.
PIDG InfraCo Chief Investment and Project Development Officer Gilles Vaes highlighted the vessel's potential to boost regional trade. “The secret to unlocking Lake Victoria’s vast trading potential lies in developing first-rate port facilities and marine infrastructure. We expect this vessel to increase commercial activities as Uganda is a landlocked nation,” Vaes stated.
MV Mpungu will transport 19 trailers per trip and reduce the travel time between Kampala and Mwanza from four days to just 18 hours. Officials say this will ease pressure on Uganda’s highways, reduce traffic congestion, and lower transportation costs.
State Minister for Transportation Fred Byamukama underscored the economic benefits of the ship’s introduction.
“Since Uganda is landlocked, most of our imports and exports rely on roads, which come with high maintenance costs, environmental challenges, and other trade barriers. The MV Mpungu directly addresses these issues,” Byamukama said.
President Yoweri Museveni, in a speech read by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, hailed the investment and its role in strengthening Uganda’s trade connections.
“It is subversive for any leader not to support investors like the owners of MV Mpungu,” Museveni stated.
He noted that perishable goods, which previously risked spoilage during the long road journey from Mwanza, will now reach markets faster and at a lower cost.
“The ship will enhance trade between Uganda and neighboring countries, benefiting our economy in the long run. More than 160 Ugandans, skilled in areas like steel cutting, welding, engineering, and electrical services, were employed during its construction in Entebbe,” Museveni added.
