In a recent incident, the Laropi-Umi Ferry temporarily suspended its services, causing inconvenience to passengers traveling to Adjumani and Moyo districts, as well as other parts of the West Nile region and South Sudan. This interruption occurred due to a Kenyan fuel truck, registered as KDB 946K/ZD 2456, plunging into the River Nile at the Laropi Landing site in Pakoma East Cell, Laropi Town council, Moyo district while disembarking from the ferry.
According to Ignatius Dragudu, the North West Nile Region Police Spokesperson, the accident took place around 8:19 p.m., but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Preliminary reports suggest that the fuel tanker, which originated from Kenya, was on its way to deliver fuel to a station in KajoKeji county in neighboring South Sudan at the time of the incident.
Allan Ssempebwa, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) Communications Officer, confirmed that efforts are being made to retrieve the fuel tanker from the river. Once this is achieved, the ferry will be able to dock and resume its operations. Additionally, UNRA plans to conduct an assessment of the ferry’s condition to ensure it is fit for service before allowing passengers to resume their journeys.
The accident has left several passengers stranded at the Umi and Laropi Landing sites. Some have resorted to hiring private boats, despite the high charges. In response to this, UNRA has advised travelers to consider using the Obongi-Sinyanya ferry as an alternative to reach either Adjumani or Moyo district.
Charles Tiondi, a resident of Adjumani district, has urged the government to expedite the construction of the proposed Laropi bridge. He believes this would provide a more permanent solution to the transportation challenges between Moyo and Adjumani, reducing reliance on the ferry.
