Oulanyah Demands Accountability for UGX 50 Billion Maritime Loan

Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah, has tasked the government to avail a progress report on the implementation and utilization of the 50.4 billion shillings loan provided for maritime communication on Lake Victoria.

The loan secured from African Development Bank (ADB) was passed by parliament in 2017 to improve wireless communication on Lake Victoria, making calls for help using existing GSM coverage over the lake, setting up 16 search and rescue stations around the lake with boats and rescue teams among others.

The funding was also to be used to set up a Maritime Rescue Communication Centre capable of receiving and responding to distress calls, locating the victims, mobilizing, controlling and coordinating rescue missions.

Oulanyah made the call on Tuesday while delivering his communication during the plenary session.

During the session, Members of Parliament observed a moment of silence in memory of Ugandans who perished in a capsized boat on Saturday and in accidents at Busika rally and Rubirizi.

With parliament yet to access the efficiency of the multinational Lake Victoria maritime communication and transport loan project, Oulanyah appealed to government to expedite the establishment of the maritime search and rescue centre.

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Oulanyah says that the water transport sector seems not to be given the required consideration it deserves. He said that better coordination and management is required in the sector.

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Over 30 people on Saturday died in a boat accident on Lake Victoria after it sank on its way to K Palm Beach in Mpatta Sub County, Mukono district. The boat owned by late Templar Bissase Kisosonkole has since been reported to have been operating without a license by the State Minister for Transport Henry Aggrey Bagiire.