FerryConnect

Uganda

Bukakata (Masaka) → Bugala Island (Kalangala)

The short Lake Victoria car ferry from Bukakata, east of Masaka, to Bugoma on Bugala, the main island of the Ssese archipelago and home of Kalangala town — the drive-on route to the islands’ beaches and forest.

⏱ About 30m🚢 1 operator📅 Six crossings each way Monday–Saturday and four on Sundays, with two ferries working in tandem🚗 Vehicles accepted
Book with Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS)→

Bukakata (Masaka) to Bugala Island (Kalangala) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Bukakata (Masaka) to Bugala Island (Kalangala) takes About 30m across the Lake Victoria, operated by Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS). Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: six crossings each way Monday–Saturday and four on Sundays, with two ferries working in tandem.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: kis.co.ug · kis.co.ug · How we verify

Return crossing: Bugala Island (Kalangala) to Bukakata (Masaka)

Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS) also sails Bugala Island (Kalangala) to Bukakata (Masaka), taking About 30m. Crossings from Bugoma run at the same clock times as from Bukakata, because MV Ssese and MV Pearl sail in opposite directions simultaneously.

Bukakata (Masaka) to Bugala Island (Kalangala) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Monday–Saturday: from Bukakata at 07:00, 08:00, 11:00, 12:00, 15:00 and 17:00 (the 07:00 and 15:00 trips are reserved for dangerous cargo); Sundays: 08:00, 10:00, 14:00 and 16:00, passengers only

KIS reserves the right to alter the timetable.

Published departure times

  • Bukakata 08:00
  • Bukakata 11:00
  • Bukakata 12:00
  • Bukakata 17:00

Return: Crossings from Bugoma run at the same clock times as from Bukakata, because MV Ssese and MV Pearl sail in opposite directions simultaneously.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS) timetable →Check prices & book on Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS) →

Source: KIS ferry timetable (Monday–Saturday and Sunday). Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Bukakata (Masaka) and Bugala Island (Kalangala)

📐 3 Nautical Miles
Bukakata (Masaka)⇄Bugala Island (Kalangala)
⏱ About 30m · 📐 3 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
🚗 Operator website

Ready to cross from Bukakata (Masaka) to Bugala Island (Kalangala)?

Book your crossing with Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS): live fares, availability and sailing times.

Book with Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS)→

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS)About 30mMV Pearl, MV Ssese

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

3 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • KIS asks passengers to be at the port 30 minutes to an hour before sailing; drivers drop passengers at the main gate and register the vehicle
  • Vehicles board first; only the driver may stay with a vehicle, and nobody may sit in a vehicle during the crossing
  • KIS built the Bukakata and Bugoma landing sites in 2011 and began ferry services in August 2012

Related Ferry Crossings

⚓ Bugoma (Luku) Ferry Landing guide🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Bukakata (Masaka) to Bugala Island (Kalangala)?
The crossing typically takes About 30m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Bukakata (Masaka) to Bugala Island (Kalangala) ferry sail?
Monday–Saturday: from Bukakata at 07:00, 08:00, 11:00, 12:00, 15:00 and 17:00 (the 07:00 and 15:00 trips are reserved for dangerous cargo); Sundays: 08:00, 10:00, 14:00 and 16:00, passengers only. KIS reserves the right to alter the timetable. This is the pattern published in the KIS ferry timetable (Monday–Saturday and Sunday) (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Bukakata (Masaka) to Bugala Island (Kalangala)?
Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS) operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Bukakata (Masaka) to Bugala Island (Kalangala) ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Bukakata (Masaka) to Bugala Island (Kalangala) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Bukakata (Masaka) to Bugala Island (Kalangala) ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Bukakata (Masaka) from Bugala Island (Kalangala) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 3 nautical miles (roughly 6 km).