Gov’t to install new ferry at Atura landing site

By Editorial (editor@vol.co.ug)

Oyam

President Yoweri Museveni has committed to fulfil a pledge of installing another ferry at Atura landing site in Aber Sub County, Oyam district to compliment Masindi Port ferry.

Oyam LCV chairman, Benson Dila said he was contacted by the President over the matter and he met engineers from the Uganda National Roads Authority to conduct assessment of the proposed ferry site.

This comes after Aliguma Edith Adyeri, the LCV chairperson of Kiryandongo district recently tabled a request for a ferry to be installed at Atura during commissioning of Karuma Hydropower.

Effort to speak to UNRA to ascertain when the ferry would be installed proved futile.

Meanwhile, business persons are already reaping big as preparations are in high gear to establish a ferry at Atura landing site.

Innocent Kakanyero, a driver who plies Gulu-Bweyale route said they are registering more profit at Atura compared to corner Kamdini.

Kakanyero said transport fare from Gulu city to Atura has also increased from shs20, 000 to sh30, 000 as passengers are required to cross the R. Nile on boats.

Bashir Ojok, the chairperson, Atura landing site confirmed that business has been booming at Atura following the total closure of Karuma bridge.

On the other hand, President Yoweri Museveni has suspended all park fees for passengers using the Murchison’s national park route.

After total closure of Karuma Bridge, some vehicles from northern Uganda were diverted to the Murchison’s national park route and reports emerged that passengers and vehicles were being charged to use the road.

Yesterday President Museveni said after getting these reports from Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua he ordered the park levies to be suspended during this time that Karuma is under repair.