OBONGI FERRY USERS DEMAND EXTENSION OF OPERATION HOURS

The Obongi ferry arriving from Sinyanya landing site in Adjumani district to Obongi landing site – Photo by Morish Dramadri

By Morish Dramadri – Arua city

Communities relying on the Obongi-Sinyanya ferry service have called for an extension of its operating hours, citing difficulties in accessing emergency services and other essential needs across the Albert Nile, particularly during evening hours.

The ferry, which connects Obongi District to Sinyanya landing site in neighbouring Adjumani District, serves as a critical transport link for residents who depend on services such as healthcare, education and trade across the two districts.

Given the geographical challenges in the area, the ferry provides an alternative transport route for communities in Obongi, Adjumani and neighbouring Moyo District, easing access to essential social services, including Obongi Health Centre IV and Masa Primary School in Adjumani District.

The Obongi-Sinyanya ferry service began operations in June 2012 following the construction of a pier at Sinyanya landing site. The ferry was officially commissioned in November 2012, marking an important milestone in improving connectivity and service delivery for communities separated by the Albert Nile.

However, residents say the current operating schedule continues to inconvenience people who need to cross the river beyond the designated hours.

Mawa Majid, a resident of Obongi Town Council, says the fixed operating timetable has made it difficult for school-going children and patients who depend on services across the river to access them conveniently.

Majid is now calling on the authorities responsible for managing the ferry to extend its operating hours to at least 8:30pm.

“The ferry is operating according to its schedule, but the timetable is inconveniencing some people. There are children from Masa and Sinyanya who come to school in Obongi Town Council, as well as people who come here for healthcare services. These people sometimes find it difficult to access these services in time. If the schedule can be adjusted from 6:00am to at least 8:30pm, it would be much better,” Majid appealed.

Currently, the ferry operates on a fixed timetable, with departures from Obongi to Sinyanya beginning at 7:00am and ending at 6:30pm, while departures from Sinyanya to Obongi run from 7:30am to 7:00pm.

Meanwhile, other residents are calling for alternative arrangements to allow motorboats to provide emergency crossing services beyond the ferry’s operating hours.

Candiru Aisha Ali, a fishmonger at the landing site, says restrictions on motorboat operations during evening hours have left residents with limited options when emergencies arise.

The alternative boats suggested by residents to aid emergency service at the site – Photo by Morish Dramadri

“If you want to access an emergency boat service between 7:00pm and 8:00pm, the police do not allow it. They say the ferry does not have lights, which we equally understand. Our prayer is that they allow the boats to operate until 9:00pm so that we can be helped in emergencies,” Candiru appealed.

Responding to the concerns, Obongi District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Harriet Joyo, pledged to engage the relevant authorities responsible for managing the ferry service to explore possible adjustments to the operating timetable.

“We need to discuss with the ferry authority to see whether it is something that can be adjusted,” Hon. Joyo said.

The Obongi-Sinyanya ferry remains a vital transport link across the Albert Nile, serving residents of Obongi District while facilitating movement for communities and transit populations from neighbouring Adjumani and Moyo districts in the West Nile sub-region.

Residents now hope that engagements between their leaders and the responsible authorities will result in a more flexible operating schedule that addresses their concerns while ensuring the safety of ferry users and those providing alternative emergency transport.

Written by newsroom-radiopacis