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Efforts are ongoing to rescue victims of a tragic canoe accident on the River Nguse at Kyaleni village in Pachwa Town Council, in Uganda, where a canoe carrying over 30 passengers capsized.
The incident, which occurred at about 8:30 pm on Tuesday, has caused panic in Kyaleni village. Albertine Region Police spokesperson Julius Hakiza, however, said police responded immediately.
Hakiza said that a 27-year-old survivor, identified as Tumuhaise Byaruhanga, has been rescued. He added that the exact number of missing persons remains unknown due to the absence of a passenger manifest.
The police spokesperson also said Marine Police officers are on the ground conducting search-and-rescue operations, while an investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing. According to Hakiza, possible factors that led to the accident include overloading, night travel, and the vessel’s condition.
“We urge relatives of anyone who may have been on the canoe to report to Kagadi Central Police Station. Further updates will be provided,” he added.
A Ugandan news outlet, New Vision Online, reported that at least 10 people have been rescued, and 20 are still missing.
Uganda has experienced a significant number of maritime disasters over the years, particularly on Lake Victoria and Lake Albert, often caused by overloading, poor weather conditions, and a lack of safety equipment.
A boat sailing from Hoima District to Nebbi sank at night in August 2010, resulting in the deaths of over 108 people. In December 2016, an overloaded boat carrying a local football team and fans from Buliisa District to a match in Hoima capsized, killing 30 people.
In November 2018, the MV Templar capsized in Lake Victoria, killing at least 32 people, including the owners. In August 2023, an overloaded cargo boat carrying passengers, charcoal, and fish sank in Lake Victoria, killing at least 20 people.
