The welfare of ferry operators took centre stage in Parliament as MPs raised concerns over their poor remuneration and job security following the proposed closure of Karuma Bridge.
Raising on a matter of national importance on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, Maruzi North County Representative, Hon. Nelson Okello (highlighted the dire situation of ferry operators at Masindi Port where traffic he said traffic has been diverted to due to the closure of the bridge.
“We are really at risk because now when you look at the workers at the ferry, there is really high job insecurity for the operators,” Okello said.
Okello criticised the Ministry of Public Service for failing to review the operators’ salaries which remain at Shs240,000 per month.
He demanded that the Ministry of Works clear the ferry workers’ pending salaries for January and February and explain why only five out of the many qualified workers were retained in the rationalisation process.
The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa revealed that the ferry operators had reached out to him with complaints.
“This weekend, my phone was flooded with messages from those workers on ferries. To renew a certificate, these workers told me that they require Shs25 to Shs30 million. Now, you pay him money which in a year won’t facilitate renewal of a license,” Tayebwa observed.
He warned that failure to address the issue could lead to ferry operators abandoning their jobs.
“If they decide to abandon you because they won’t even be able to renew their licenses, then you won’t have ferry operators,” he said.
Bukooli Island County MP, Hon. Peter Okeyoh reinforced the argument, stressing that ferry operations require specialised training often conducted outside Uganda.
“It takes between Shs20 and Shs40 million for these people to renew seafarers’ licenses. A consideration should be taken when we are giving these allowances and salaries,” he said.
The Minister of State for Works and Transport (Transport), Hon. Fred Byamukama acknowledged the workers’ concerns but stated that salary structures were determined in accordance with public service standing orders.
“We gave them a contract and their salary is paid according to public service directives. Maybe if public service advises, we can increase it depending on which law,” he said.
The Minister of Public Service, Hon. Muruli Mukasa assured MPs that ferry operators will soon be reclassified as scientists under the public service pay structure allowing for better remuneration.
“That’s what is going to go up so that they are better motivated to work,” Mukasa said.
He added that discussions with the Ministry of Finance were ongoing to secure funds for salary increments.
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