COMMENT | NANTEZA SARAH KYOBE | As I approached Masese Landing Site in Jinja City’s Southern Division, the first thing that caught my attention was the beautiful, newly constructed Search and Rescue (SAR) Centre and the bright orange rescue boats docked on the water.
The facility has given the landing site a more organised appearance, but its greatest value lies in its potential to save lives.
For the people who depend on Lake Victoria, the water is more than a natural resource. It is a foundation of income, transport and survival. Fishermen venture onto the lake in search of a good catch, while passengers and boat operators rely on it to reach their destinations.
Yet these daily activities come with the risk of accidents that can cost lives and leave families struggling with grief and uncertainty.
During my visit, the centre coordinator, Mr Philemon Kudeera, explained that the area experiences an average of six water accidents every week along Jinja’s Lake Victoria shores.
This figure highlights the risks people face when using the lake and the need for reliable emergency response services.
When accidents happen on the water, time is critical. Without appropriate equipment and coordinated rescue efforts, reaching people in distress can be difficult.
The launch of the Masese centre is therefore an important step towards improving safety for fishermen, passengers and other lake users.
People at the landing site welcomed the facility, noting that rescuing victims and retrieving bodies after accidents have long been challenging.
A dedicated centre could help address these difficulties by providing a base for coordinated rescue operations and bringing emergency services closer to the community.
The centre is intended to serve people using water transport and fishermen in Jinja and surrounding areas.
The Masese facility is one of five centres established under the Multinational Lake Victoria Maritime Communications and Transport (MLVMCT) Project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The regional initiative aims to strengthen maritime communication, safety and transport operations across the Lake Victoria Basin, which supports millions of people in East Africa.
The Masese centre complements Uganda’s existing maritime safety facilities at Entebbe, which houses the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, and Kaazi, which also has a Search and Rescue Centre.
Beyond emergency response, the Masese facility has offices for marine vessel licensing and registration. It also has medical facilities where accident victims can receive first aid before being referred to nearby health facilities for further treatment.
These additional services could improve access to maritime administration and contribute to better compliance with safety standards. They also make the centre a useful resource for people operating on the lake, beyond its primary role in rescue operations.
The project has generated interest among local youth, some of whom expressed enthusiasm about employment opportunities as rescuers.
Their knowledge of the surrounding waters and landing sites is valuable in emergency response, provided they receive the necessary training.
For communities that rely on Lake Victoria every day, the centre represents a practical investment in their safety and livelihoods. Its impact should ultimately be measured by how effectively it responds to emergencies and how many lives it helps save.
The Masese Search and Rescue Centre is a welcome development for Jinja and the surrounding lake communities. With sustained support, efficient operations, and continued emphasis on water safety, it can become an essential lifeline for those who make their living on Lake Victoria.
Nanteza Sarah Kyobe works with Uganda Media Centre
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