In a developmental moment for regional maritime transport, the newly commissioned MT Kabaka Mutebi II has successfully commenced its test runs on Lake Victoria on March 22, 2025.
The MT Kabaka Mutebi II is a Ugandan-owned fuel tanker designed to transport oil in bulk across Lake Victoria. It is named after Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the 36th King of Buganda.
The vessel, hailed as the largest inland oil barge in Africa, has sparked significant excitement, with early performance reports showing promising results.
Captain Mike Mukula, one of the key figures in the project, expressed his satisfaction on Twitter, highlighting the vessel’s performance and stressing that it will reduce reliance on land-based transportation.
“We are pleased and pleasantly impressed with the performance so far, the barge has the potential to revolutionize oil transportation within the region, reducing reliance on land-based logistics and enhancing efficiency,” Mukula said.
He further stated that the launch of the MT Kabaka Mutebi II represents a critical step in enhancing Uganda’s and the broader East African Community’s logistical capabilities.
Mukula further explained that the barge’s substantial capacity is expected to optimize the movement of petroleum products across Lake Victoria, connecting key inland ports and enhancing trade.
“The vessel marks a milestone in strengthening regional trade and economic integration. The successful test runs affirm the project’s viability and its potential to contribute significantly to the region’s development,’’ Captain Mukula added.
While specific technical details regarding the barge’s capacity and speed were not immediately available, sources indicate that the vessel’s design incorporates advanced technology to ensure safe and efficient operations.
The test runs are crucial for evaluating the barge’s performance under various conditions and ensuring its readiness for commercial deployment.
The launch of the MT Kabaka Mutebi II is expected to have a ripple effect on the regional economy, reducing transportation costs and improving the reliability of oil supply chains.
As the barge continues its test runs, stakeholders are eagerly anticipating its full operational launch and the positive impact it will have on the region’s maritime industry.
