Business operators at Wanseko and Panyimur landing sites in Buliisa and Pakwach districts respectively are counting losses because of the prolonged suspension of the Wanseko-Panyimur ferry services. Uganda National Roads Authority-UNRA suspended the operations of the Wanseko-Panyimur ferry in July when the water levels at its docking pier at Wanseko landing site drastically reduced and could not allow effective landing.
The Albert Nile ferry plies the 12-nautical-mile route from Panyimur in Pakwach district to Wanseko in Buliisa district twice a day. The ferry is also the major link for regional towns like Hoima, Kigorobya, Masindi, Biiso, Buliisa, Kikuube, and Wanseko in Bunyoro in the Albertine, and Panyimur, Dei, Pakwach, Nebbi, Paidha, and Arua in West Nile and the Democratic- Republic of Congo DRC.
Thousands of people from various parts of the country use the ferry for various reasons including business. The prolonged suspension of the ferry has taken a huge toll on business in Buliisa and Pakwach districts.
John Tibdenda, who operates a lodge at Wanseko landing site, says that ever since the ferry services were suspended, his clients have drastically reduced. He explains that he used to get between 50 to 70 clients on a daily basis when the ferry was operational but he hardly receives 10 clients now.
Jackline Kyokuhairwe, a fishmonger at Wanseko landing site, says that most of her clients were people who would use the ferry to various destinations. She is now stuck with her fish following the suspension of the ferry operations.
Robert Twinomujuni, a shop attendant, says that ever since the ferry was suspended, his business has suffered due to the lack of clients. Joseph Alinda, a resident of Panyimur landing site in Pakwach district, says that they entirely depend on the fish business, which is down following the suspension of the ferry.
William Gafabusa, a resident of Wanseko landing site, says that businesses of all types have suffered losses due to the suspension of the ferry services.
Fred Lukumu, the Buliisa LC V Chairperson, says that the absence of the ferry has affected the incomes of several people, especially the business community, which used to reap big from its operations.
-URN
