Jinja Pier received a significant boost to its status as a key regional trade hub with the arrival of Kenya’s newest wagon ferry, MV Uhuru II, on Friday morning.
The 100-meter-long vessel, capable of transporting 1,063 metric tonnes of cargo, marks a major step forward in East African logistics and trade.
MV Uhuru II, Kenya’s latest wagon ferry, successfully docked at Jinja Linkspan Pier after completing her maiden voyage from Kisumu City.
The vessel, a feat of engineering, is specially optimized to transport vital commodities such as petroleum oil products, cereals, fertilizers, sugar, and seeds, further boosting trade between the two East African nations.”The arrival of MV Uhuru II is a historic moment for both Uganda and Kenya. This vessel will not only enhance trade routes but also position Jinja as a key international trading hub,” said one official from Uganda Railways Corporation.
With a capacity to transport 1,063 metric tonnes of cargo, MV Uhuru II is expected to improve efficiency in the movement of bulk goods between Kisumu and Jinja, particularly reducing reliance on road transport.
The ferry’s presence signals an expansion of the region’s shipping infrastructure, crucial for reducing the cost of doing business and expediting the flow of goods.”This is a game-changer for our logistics and supply chains,” said a representative from the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC). ”
MV Uhuru II will streamline the transportation of petroleum products and agricultural goods, which are critical to both countries’ economies.”The docking of the wagon ferry is also expected to revitalize Jinja’s economy, offering new opportunities for business and investment.
Analysts predict the city’s growing prominence in East African trade could attract further investments in warehousing, logistics, and manufacturing.”Jinja has long held strategic importance due to its location on the Nile and proximity to regional markets. The arrival of MV Uhuru II is a testament to the city’s bright future as a regional trading hub,” remarked an economic analyst.
For Uganda and Kenya, this venture is seen as a key pillar of regional cooperation and development. The expanded use of water transport between the two nations is not only expected to reduce traffic on major highways but also support more sustainable trade practices.
As MV Uhuru II continues its journey across Lake Victoria, its arrival in Jinja marks a new chapter for both nations, cementing the role of ferry transport in the future of East African commerce.
