MV Ssese Portbell is one of the two ferries transporting people and merchandise on Lake Victoria in Uganda via the Bukakata - Luku route in Masaka[1] and Kalangala districts[2] respectively. Ssese Portbell on started sailing on 26 February 2015. Contrary to the traditional boats, this ferry has the capacity to transport cars and heavy equipment such as fuel tankers and tractors. Ssese Portbell has a twin vessel known as Pearl Portbell and together they voyage the waters of Lake Victoria usually in opposite directions and are both managed by Kalangala Infrustructure services Limited (KIS),[3] on behalf of UNRA and govermnet of Uganda.
Ssese Portbell operates daily scheduled routes between Luku and Bukakata inland ports and according to the 2023 Ferry timetable accessed on the official website of Limited (KIS), the Ssese Portbell carries out eight routes or crossings from Luku (usually referred to as Bugoma) port and Bukakata Port and vice versa on weekly days (Monday - Saturday). The routes usually take between 30 and 45 minutes to cross from one end to the other. One of the trips is usually scheduled for transporting dangerous cargo such as charcoal and petroleum and passengers are not allowed on this dedicated trip. On Sunday, the ferry makes fewer routes and does not transport dangerous cargo.
It is also important to note that though there exists a timetable for Ssese Portbell and the twin vessel, these vessel usually carry out emergency routes in times when they are deemed fit such as when there are ill persons that need to be transported for further treatment from the islands to the mainland in Masaka.
Voyage on the Ssese Portbell is free of change for passengers and vehicles to use the vessel. However, it is important to note that there are safety measures and regulations put up by KIS and the ministry of works and transport regarding water transport and have to be followed for one to safely sail on the vessel.
Some of the rules and procedures include:[4]