Consultation Services for Maritime Training and Advisory Services
Procurement Reference No. MOWT/SVCS/2025-2026/00460
Sector: Transport
Loan No. 2100150042497

The Government of Uganda (GOU) has received financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB) towards Kabale - Lake Bunyonyi/Kisoro - Maghinga Roads Upgrading and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this loan to payments under the Consultancy Services for Maritime Advisory and Capacity Development Training. Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) plans to carry Maritime Advisory and Training Services to support it in improving transport connectivity, strengthening compliance to maritime policy and regulatory frameworks, enhancing institutional capacity, and improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability of inland water transport operations on Lake Bunyonyi and in Uganda.

The Consultant Services shall include but not limited to the following:
i. Provision of Maritime Advisory services aimed at assessing and improving transport infrastructure for seamless international connectivity at Lake Bunyonyi, enhancing the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of ferry services in Uganda. The assignment shall align ferry operations with national legislation, international maritime standards, and best practices; strengthen staff capacity; optimize maintenance processes; enhance risk management; and guide future ferry service expansion. It will include reviewing and improving the Ferry Services Division's operations, training ferry teams, developing a risk register with mitigation measures, assessing crew competence, and advising on how Lake Bunyoni ferries can promote tourism.

ii. Provision of Ferry Equipment Design & Equipment Selection Training aimed at enhancing the technical capacity of the Client (MoWT) staff in the areas of ferry design and ferry equipment selection not limited to propulsion systems, power generation systems, hull and deck machinery, navigation and communication equipment, Safety and life-saving appliances and Auxiliary systems. The assignment shall include building knowledge and skills for evaluating, selecting, and applying appropriate design standards and technologies that comply with international maritime regulations and local operational requirements. It shall further cover practical training on design and selection of modern ferry equipment suited for Ugandan inland water bodies. Emphasis shall be placed on aligning equipment selection with lifecycle cost efficiency, safety, environmental considerations, and operational sustainability.

iii. Provision of Vessels Landing Facilities Structures Training aimed at enhancing the technical capacity of MoWT staff in the planning, design, and maintenance of vessels landing facilities and associated marine infrastructure. The assignment shall include building knowledge and skills for evaluating site conditions, selecting appropriate structural designs, and applying relevant international and local standards for safe and sustainable landing facilities. It shall further cover practical training on geotechnical and hydrological assessments, interpretation of environmental and operational data to inform site selection, design, and construction methods, as well as the use of durable and cost-efficient materials suited for Ugandan inland water bodies. Emphasis shall be placed on ensuring safety, accessibility, environmental compliance, resilience against changing water levels, and long-term operational sustainability of the landing facilities.

iv. Provision of Mandatory Trainings in Maritime Matters aimed at ensuring compliance with international maritime safety standards and enhance the professional competence of MoWT ferry crew and technical staff. The assignment shall involve delivery of STCW-mandated courses for new entrants and refresher training for personnel whose certificates have expired. It will cover specialized programs such as Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational or Engineering Watch, and Certificates of Competency for Officers in Charge of Navigation and Engineering Watch on vessels below 500GT and 750kW, respectively. The training aims to strengthen operational readiness, promote safety, and align MoWT ferry operations with international conventions and best practices.

v. The Government of Uganda (GOU) through Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) now invites eligible consultancy firms to indicate their interest in providing these services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.). Consultants may constitute joint ventures to enhance their chances of qualification.

vi. Eligibility criteria, establishment of the short-list and the selection procedure shall be in accordance with the African Development Bank's “Procurement Policy for Bank Group-Funded Operations” approved October 2015, which is available on the Bank's website at http://www.afdb.org.

vii. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours between 0900 to 1700 hours (local time) Monday to Friday. Enquiries can be sought through the following Email address: Andrew.aribaru@works.go.ug

viii. Expressions of Interest in English in one (1) original and two (2) copies must be delivered to the address below on or before 24th September, 2026 at 11:00 am. with the envelope or packaging clearly marked “Expression of Interest for Consultancy Services for Maritime Advisory and Capacity Development Training.”

ix. Expressions of Interest will be opened at the address below on 24th September, 2026 at 11:30 am.
Assistant Commissioner, Procurement & Disposal Unit
Ministry of Works and Transport,
Plot 57/59 Jinja Road
P.O. Box 7174, Kampala – Uganda
Floor/Room Number: Finance and Administration Block
Telephone: 0444 320 101/9