Five feared dead as boat capsizes on Lake Victoria

Buvuma, (UG):- Five people are feared dead after drowning in Lake Victoria following an accident on Thursday evening when the passenger boat they were travelling in capsized on the waterbody.

Preliminary reports indicate that the ill-fated boat was transporting people from Kirongo landing site in Busamuzi Sub County, Buvuma District heading to Kiyindi landing site in Buikwe District on the mainland when the tragic incident struck.

The victims have been identified as Kabenge, the boat operator, Karisimati (a butcher at Kirongo trading center), Nalongo a silverfish trader, Tom a dealer in fish maw, and another unidentified woman.

Ms Hellen Butoto, the Ssezibwa regional police spokesperson said Friday that the boat skipper only identified as Mr Kabenge had hired the boat from one Mr Derrick Omoro to ferry passengers and cargo and upon arrival at Kirongo landing site, he loaded four passengers, five cows, one sack of silverfish and a motorcycle.

However, Ms Butoto says the boat was loaded beyond its capacity and despite warnings against overloading, the boat skipper reportedly ignored this, asserting his expertise in water transport.

“Shortly after setting off from Kirongo landing site, distress calls came from occupants seeking help,” Ms Butoto said, adding that; a rescue mission from residents led by Mr Fred Ddungu was embarked on using another wooden boat but only retrieved the capsized boat with five carcasses of cows.

“By Friday evening, one body of a female adult only identified as Nalongo and five carcasses of cows had been retrieved,” Ms Butoto explained.

“Unfortunately three others remain missing but the overloaded nature of the boat is likely the cause of the tragic incident. Our marine police are tirelessly working to ensure that bodies are retrieved and other valuable items,” she added.

This is the second fatal boat accident in the same district in a space of two months.

On December 11, three female passengers died when a boat they were travelling in capsized on Lake Victoria between Kirewa and Namiti islands. At least 24 passengers were on board.