EAST Africa Marine Transport (EAMT) has marked a major milestone in regional trade with the commissioning of the M.V. Mpungu, Lake Victoria’s first scheduled roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) freight vessel. The launch event, held at Port Bell, Uganda, was attended by Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who hailed the vessel as a transformative step towards more efficient and sustainable logistics in the region.
The M.V. Mpungu, owned by EAMT and operated by Grindrod Logistics Africa – Uganda (GLAU), offers a faster, safer, and greener alternative to congested road freight routes. With the ability to cut transport times from days to just 18 hours, the vessel is expected to boost regional trade while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Prime Minister Nabbanja underscored the government’s commitment to improving trade infrastructure and commended EAMT and its partners for their role in advancing Uganda’s transport sector. ‘This vessel is a game-changer for our economy, facilitating faster movement of goods and supporting our broader development goals,’ she stated during the commissioning event.
A game-changer for regional trade
Built in Uganda at a purpose-built shipyard in Entebbe, the M.V. Mpungu can carry up to 21 fully laden freight vehicles, equivalent to 1,000 tonnes of cargo per crossing. By alleviating road congestion and reducing fuel costs, the vessel not only enhances efficiency but also mitigates risks such as theft and driver fatigue.
Funded through a partnership involving the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), InfraCo, and Grindrod Limited, the $20 million project is a testament to regional and international collaboration. The vessel recently earned accreditation from FAST Infra, a globally recognised system that measures sustainable infrastructure.
Rodney Seema, PIDG Regional Asset Management Lead for InfraCo, emphasised the project’s economic and environmental impact. ‘With the M.V. Mpungu, we’re not just enhancing logistics; we’re building a foundation for sustainable trade growth across East Africa,’ he noted.
Expanding transport networks
The 96-metre-long vessel will undertake at least two scheduled crossings per week between Port Bell, Uganda, and Mwanza, Tanzania. Plans are also underway to expand operations, with additional routes, including potential connections to Kenya. EAMT is further exploring alternative fuel options to enhance the vessel’s sustainability.
Lake Victoria’s potential as a vital trade corridor has been recognised by the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), with commitments to diversify transport routes. The Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) also identifies investment in marine transport as a key priority, estimating the need for at least 100 additional vessels to support regional trade expansion.
A symbol of regional cooperation
The M.V. Mpungu’s construction involved expertise from SECO Marine (U) Ltd, an Alpha Group company, as well as Danish firm OSK Design and M/s. S&O Maritime from India. Grant funding from the European Union Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund (EU-AITF) further contributed to the vessel’s development, allowing it to reach commercial operations within 29 months of keel-laying.
The vessel, named ‘Mpungu’—a Lugandan word for the eagle frequently seen crossing Lake Victoria—was suggested by students from Lake Side College in Port Bell. Registered under the Ugandan flag and classed by Bureau Veritas, it meets International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards for safety and environmental compliance.
EAMT has also prioritised local workforce development, training 20 mariners, 30 percent of whom are women, to serve aboard the vessel and other regional ships. Four trainees are continuing their studies at the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute to qualify as officers.
Looking ahead
During the launch event, Prime Minister Nabbanja toured the vessel’s facilities alongside government and business representatives. The M.V. Mpungu features modern sleeping quarters and dining areas, ensuring drivers can rest comfortably during crossings.
‘This vessel represents progress, innovation, and a commitment to a more efficient and sustainable trade network,’ Nabbanja concluded. ‘It is a proud moment for Uganda and the wider East African region.’
With further expansions planned, the M.V. Mpungu is set to play a key role in shaping the future of East African logistics, positioning Lake Victoria as a crucial trade hub in the region.
