Uganda has strengthened water transport safety through a seven-year initiative that has established modern rescue infrastructure and improved emergency response across its major water bodies.
The initiative, implemented by the Ministry of Works and Transport Uganda, has established Search and Rescue (SAR) centres and Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) over the past seven years to enhance water transport safety.
Officials say five SAR sites are now fully operational and strategically positioned across Ugandan waters to ensure rapid emergency response.
The centres are equipped with community jetties, water ambulances, rescue boats, life jackets, weather buoys, and firefighting vessels. Authorities have also set up a dedicated training facility and recruited personnel to strengthen coordinated rescue operations.
The project is part of the Multinational Lake Victoria Maritime Communications and Transport Project, funded by the Government of Uganda and the African Development Bank.
The initiative adopts a “Zero Incidents” or “Zero Harm” approach aimed at preventing injuries, fatalities, and environmental damage on water.
Officials said coordination centres now ensure that every emergency call is handled with speed and precision, marking a major shift in how maritime incidents are managed.
The improvements are expected to boost confidence in water transport, particularly on major water bodies such as Lake Victoria, where accidents have previously raised safety concerns.
