At Masese Landing Site, just outside Jinja in eastern Uganda, boats arrive laden with goods as porters work tirelessly, hauling crates and supplies to keep this essential trade route alive. This bustling scene hides the unseen hardships faced by those who make it possible.
For men like 26-year-old George Kafuko, a porter at the site, Masese represents a lifeline and a daily struggle. Hundreds of porters, working without protective gear or job security, bear the weight of the local economy—both literally and figuratively—often under life-threatening conditions.
Masese Landing Site has long been a vital regional link, supporting the local fishing industry and connecting Uganda to inland trade routes. For many, like Kafuko, it’s the only source of income. Born and raised nearby, he lives just a few hundred metres from the site with his young son, while his wife works abroad in Oman. “Masese is my mother,” Kafuko says. “I depend on her for everything, even in the most challenging times.
But life as a porter here is risky. Littered with broken glass, fish bones, and other hazards, the site exposes workers to frequent injuries and infections. Porters like Kafuko often wade through polluted water without protective clothing or footwear. An injury means no work and, thus, no income. “I’ve seen friends hurt by broken bottles; some can’t work for days or even weeks,” Kafuko says.
Despite these risks, he persists, driven by the responsibility to support his son and household. On a good day, Kafuko might earn 40,000 Ugandan Shillings (USD 11), but his earnings can drop as low as 5,000 shillings (USD 1.50) on difficult days.
Efforts to address these challenges at Masese are under consideration. Improved waste management—such as placing more bins and organising clean-up campaigns—could help minimise injuries. Access to essential protective gear like gloves, boots, and durable clothing is also critical. Community efforts, including donation drives or partnerships with local businesses, could help porters work more safely.
Health services are another area of need. A mobile clinic near the landing site or a basic health insurance scheme for informal workers could relieve porters of medical costs. The idea of porter cooperatives is also gaining traction, offering potential financial support, savings programmes, and a platform for advocating better conditions.
Small personal changes could also make a difference for porters like Kafuko. Establishing a savings fund, even a modest one, could enable porters to invest in their protective gear over time. Diversifying income sources through side businesses, such as selling snacks at the landing site, could provide more financial stability.
Masese Landing Site remains a lifeline for the local economy but at a steep cost to the porters who sustain it. These men, carrying the loads at Masese, hold the future of their community in their hands. By addressing the immediate needs of safety and health, there is hope for a safer, more stable future for those who call Masese home.
Kafuko dreams of a day when he doesn’t have to choose between his health and livelihood. Until then, he will keep working, bearing the weight of Masese and hoping for better days ahead. The story of the porters is a call to action—for safer working conditions, fair wages, and recognition of those who carry the economic weight of their communities.
