Views: 0
I am deeply saddened by the boat tragedy on Lake Victoria that claimed over 20 lives on Wednesday morning, with many still unaccounted for. On behalf of Parliament, I send sincere condolences to the families of the victims. I appeal to the responsible government agencies to enforce the existing safety measures to safeguard our people from such avoidable tragedies in future.
Background Story:
KALANGALA, UGANDA: At least twenty (20) people have been confirmed dead in a marine accident on Lake Victoria after a passenger boat they were travelling in capsized in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.
According to eyewitnesses present at the time of the accident, the ill-fated giant local boat was transporting 34 passengers and cargo from Lwanabatya landing site in Kyamuswa County, Kalangala District heading to Kasenyi landing site near Entebbe in Wakiso District.
However, at around 5 am during the heavy rains, the boat was reportedly hit by strong winds near Nsazi Island on Lake Victoria in Mukono District, drowning 20 passengers, while 9 survivors have been rescued so far.
“The incident happened at 5 am. So far 20, people have been confirmed dead, and nine (9) rescued. The boat was carrying bags of charcoal, fresh foods, and silverfish among others,” Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Senior Superintendent of Police – SSP Patrick Onyango said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
“The cause of accident is attributed to overloading and bad weather,” he added.
According to Onyango, rescue efforts are underway with teams from Police Marines, UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit and the local community on the waters trying to locate the missing people.
Source:Daily Express