Kalangala residents ask Muntu for improved ferry services, tarmac roads

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Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate Maj. Gen. (rtd) Mugisha Muntu has promised to breathe new life into Kalangala district through improved infrastructure, revival of the co-operative bank and youth-skilling programmes. 

The initiatives, the former army commander says, shall rescue the district from the jaws of unemployment and poverty considering that the area has a diverse economy. 

He pledged while addressing the frost rally at Bugoma, Mugoye sub-county on Monday, October 13, 2025.

ANT's presidential candidate Maj.Gen (Rtd) with his security details returning from Kalangala district,  on Monday,  October,  13,2025. (Photo by Stuart Yiga)

According to Muntu, good economic returns from agriculture require extending financial support to farmers to ensure that one can borrow money, for instance, to buy fertilisers at a low interest.

"For instance, in our area, a Canter (truck) of natural fertiliser goes for Sh200,000. Implying that one who uses 10 Canters for an acre of land requires shillings two million. If there is no bank to lend that person money at a low interest, then they may not manage the interest rates of SACCOs..." Muntu added. 

His comments were in reaction to concerns raised by Simon Sejweka, a resident who also said despite the area having immense potential in sectors like tourism and agriculture, they have lagged because of poor transport.

"I know the ferry delayed you by 30 minutes or an hour. What plans do you have for Kalangala and other island dwellers, which will ensure convenient and timely movement of people and goods?"

"Also, what plans do you have for the youth, because we are too many here. And while those older than us are into palm oil farming and fishing, the youth remain jobless," Sejweka added.

Transport plan

Regarding this subject, Muntu, who travelled aboard MV Ssese early in the morning, asked the Government to hurriedly repair the other vessel, which broke down recently.

State of the roads in Kalangala Town Council. (Photo by Stuart Yiga)

"The problem here is that the ferries aren't enough. There are supposed to be two permanent ferries that move from here to Kalangala," he said.

Muntu, supporter clash

That notwithstanding, his caravan faced its hiccups. 

Earlier on at Bugoma, Muntu found himself on the defensive after a resident, Frank Ddumba, tore into his mobilisation strategies, saying ANT party was thin on the ground.

"I want to advise the lady who spoke first (Safina), who said she is the co-ordinator of Buganda. Is Kalangala not part of Buganda?" Ddumba said.

Adding that the party was likely to face blues in the coming election due to the failure to build grassroots structures. 

However, Muntu quickly de-escalated the situation, elaborating that while they would love to do so, unfortunately, they lack the financial muscle to do so. 

While other political parties receive funding from the Government, he said ANT doesn't since they have no Member of Parliament.

"We have to fundraise money from the public. In the last five years, out of 100 areas, we have only covered 45 for lack of money," he elaborated.

WHAT THEY SAY

Prossy Nalwadda (councillor Tubi landing site)

We have your votes but you have not given us enough time to interact with you. 

Salongo Herman Basudde (trade Bugoma)

Our main challenge is the long sea route from Bukakata to Kalangala, which is tiresome and inconvenient. One might wake up with plans to reach Kampala at 9:00am, only to leave at 3:00pm. The situation would be different if the Government had constructed a bridge connecting to this landing site. 

Jonathan Kizito, a fish trader at Bugoma

Our trade used to be profitable back in the days. We had Beach Management Units (BMUs), which governed the usage of the lake. These were later replaced by the army, which ironically is also involved in bad fishing practices, which they claim to be fighting. We have left the lake to them. 

Sulait Bukenya, a resident of Bugoma

The Government needs to tarmac the Bugoma - Kalangala road. 

VISION POLL

The issues raised by Kalangala residents are reflected in an opinion poll conducted by Vision Group between March and May 2025 across 58 districts in 17 sub-regions. The poll which covered 6,006 Ugandans named key concerns as health (17.4%), road network and transport issues (14.8%), poverty (10%), education (9.6%), employment (9.1%), water and sanitation (7.4%), national security (7.3%), business and economic issues (6.2%), energy (6%) among others.