By Ben Musanje
Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Uganda’s maritime transport sector through the establishment of a Regional Shipping Line, a Regional Maritime University and expansion of inland water transport infrastructure, in a move aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, creating employment and strengthening the country’s position in regional and international trade.
The plans were announced by the Minister of State for Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, as Uganda prepares to host the 9th Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) Annual Conference and General Assembly from November 17–19, 2026, at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
The three-day conference is expected to bring together key maritime sector players from across Africa and beyond, including the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Heads of African Maritime Administrations and Institutions, and other industry stakeholders.
Speaking during a press briefing in Kampala, Byamukama said the conference presents Uganda with an opportunity to shape Africa’s maritime agenda, strengthen regional cooperation and push for practical solutions to challenges affecting the continent’s maritime industry.
The conference will be held under the theme, “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Africa’s Maritime Transformation through Effective Governance, Innovation and Sustainable Blue Economy.”
At the centre of Uganda’s maritime ambitions is the proposed establishment of a Regional Maritime University to equip young people with specialised skills and professional qualifications required to work aboard international vessels.
Byamukama noted that Africa currently accounts for only four per cent of the global seafarer workforce, presenting a significant opportunity for Uganda and other African countries to develop skilled manpower for the international shipping industry.
He said the initiative could position Ugandans to access employment opportunities in the global maritime sector while contributing to efforts to reduce unemployment.
Government is also pursuing the establishment of a Regional Shipping Line to facilitate the movement of goods from the region to international markets at more competitive costs.
The proposed shipping line is expected to strengthen regional participation in global supply chains, improve trade connectivity and reduce dependence on expensive foreign shipping companies.
On marine cargo insurance, the Minister revealed that Uganda is already saving more than Shs270 billion by retaining marine cargo insurance business within the country, demonstrating the economic benefits of strengthening local capacity in the maritime industry.
Byamukama further highlighted the high cost of transporting goods along regional trade corridors, particularly the Mombasa-Kampala route, where road transportation costs stand at approximately USD 1.8 per container per kilometre, compared to the global average of USD 1.
He said expanding inland water transport is therefore a strategic priority for Government, given its potential to lower transportation costs, improve connectivity, stimulate economic activity in lakeside communities and ease pressure on the country’s road infrastructure.
Among the major infrastructure interventions is the development of Bukasa Port in Wakiso District on Lake Victoria. The modern port is expected to facilitate cargo transportation, particularly goods moving through the regional ports of Kisumu in Kenya and Mwanza in Tanzania, strengthening Uganda’s integration into the regional maritime transport network.
Government is also undertaking rehabilitation and upgrading works at Port Bell, Jinja Port and Ntoroko Port to improve cargo and passenger handling capacity and enhance operational efficiency.
Beyond expanding infrastructure, Government is investing in maritime safety and emergency response systems to protect lives and improve confidence in inland water transport.
Byamukama said five search and rescue centres have been established at strategic locations across the country’s major water bodies. The facilities are equipped with rescue boats and safety communication equipment and will be coordinated through a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Entebbe.
The centres are expected to strengthen emergency response, improve coordination of rescue operations and enhance the protection of people using Uganda’s waters.
Government has also established a Maritime Survival Training Centre in Entebbe to equip local boat operators with essential maritime safety knowledge and practical survival skills.
On water transport connectivity, the Minister said Government continues to expand ferry services to improve access for island and lakeside communities.
He noted that Uganda currently has 13 ferries, with two additional ferries commissioned to serve communities in Buyende, Kaberamaido and Serere districts, while two more are under construction on Lake Bunyonyi.
Byamukama said Uganda’s hosting of the AAMA conference is a significant opportunity to advance the country’s maritime development agenda while contributing to broader continental efforts to build an efficient, safe and competitive maritime transport system.
He explained that the conference will provide a platform for African maritime administrations to move beyond policy discussions and agree on practical interventions, stronger institutional leadership, regional partnerships and measurable outcomes.
As a land-linked country with significant inland water resources, Uganda is seeking to harness its strategic position to improve trade competitiveness, create employment opportunities and strengthen its participation in international commerce.
Government says it looks forward to welcoming delegates to Kampala and working with African maritime administrations, the International Maritime Organization and development partners to advance a safe, secure, efficient and sustainable maritime sector that delivers tangible economic and social benefits across the continent.(For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
