Oyam, Uganda: Authorities in Oyam District have announced fresh safety measures to combat increasing fatalities on the River Nile, following a recent boat accident that claimed two lives.
Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Sgt. Shilaku James Tuesday directed that all boats operating on the river must carry passenger manifests and ensure that all passengers wear life jackets.
He also revealed that the district is engaging relevant ministries to gazette landing sites and register all vessels.
“We are also engaging relevant ministries to ensure the gazetting of landing sites and registration of boats operating on the river,” Shilaku stated.
The RDC cautioned the local community against using illegal landing sites and unauthorized fishing gear, noting that such practices expose residents to life-threatening risks. “We strongly advise fishermen to avoid using illegal landing sites and unauthorized fishing gear, which put them in danger,” he added.
Oyam District Speaker Nomi Otyeno attributed the surge in water-related deaths to operations at the Karuma Hydro Power Dam, which he said discharges large volumes of water that make the river more hazardous.
He further blamed Sino Hydro Company for failing to construct a man-made dam that had been promised to regulate water flow and reduce accidents.
“Since the construction of the Karuma Hydro Power Station began, more than 70 people have lost their lives on the Nile. The failure of Sino Hydro Company to build the promised man-made dam has contributed to continued accidents,” Otyeno said.
LC1 Chairperson Alfred Ocen pointed to passenger overloading as a major contributor to river accidents and called for stricter enforcement of water transport regulations.
“Passenger overloading in small boats remains a serious concern. Local leaders must enforce strict regulations to prevent more tragedies on the river,” Ocen emphasized.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative anews platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp for realtime updates.
