 |
| 6 found dead as boat capsizes on Lake Victoria |
KAMPALA, April 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Rescuers have finally recovered all the six bodies of people who went missing following a boat accident on Lake Victoria last Sunday.
“We can confirm that all the six bodies have been recovered and our full week search has ended,” Amir Kiggundu, a councillor representing Kiyindi Ward at Kiyindi Town Council said.
The ill-fated boat, according to Police, was transporting building materials including cement and stones from Kiyindi landing site in Buikwe District to Namatale landing site in Buvuma District.
At least six passengers were on board. The incident occurred last Sunday around 8pm.
“We are still carrying out investigations to establish what exactly led the boat to capsize,” Caroline Akoth, the Ssezibwa regional police commander said
Hussein Bagalya, the Bwema Sub County speaker said the accident could have been a result of overloading and at the same time, the boat skipper was under the influence of alcohol.
“We have also learnt that all the occupants were not wearing life-saving jackets, may be they could have been saved,” he said.
Despite her numerous lakes and rivers, Uganda’s water transport network remains one of the most forgotten sectors in the country. Most boats on Ugandan lakes are obsolete, unlicensed or uninsured and the landing sites are in a deplorable state.
On Jan 24, 2021, seven people drowned after a boat they were sailing in capsized. The victims were sailing from Lwanabatya landing site in Kalangala District to Kasenyi landing site, Entebbe in Wakiso District. — NNN-AGENCIES