Bodies of family that drowned in Nile recovered

Police assisted by the community have recovered the missing bodies of the five family members including a three-year-old baby boy whose canoe capsized while crossing the River Nile.

They drowned on Tuesday when they were returning to Pacego East in Panyango Sub County from Obira in Nwoya district, where they had gone to do farming. 

Grace Eimani, the officer in charge of criminal investigations at Pakwach Police Station, said the bodies were recovered on Thursday, adding that they had been handed over for burial. 

She said John Giduna, 78, the only survivor, also the head of the family who was taken to Pakwach Health Centre IV is responding well to treatment. 

"We have recovered all the bodies, and even handed them over to relatives for burial because they were decomposing," she said.  

A number of families from Jonam who settled on the western bank of the Nile usually cross the river to carry out farming activities along the eastern bank. 

They have over 2000ha piece of land where they grow varieties of crops like cassava, maize, and sweet potatoes among others. 

Robert Okwairwoth who witnessed the incident said the canoe capsized at around 1pm at Goro landing site. 

Residents digging a grave for the deceased at Pacego East Village. Photo by Benedict Okethwengu

According to Okwairwoth, the canoe failed to weather the strong winds, adding that the weak condition of the canoe worsened the situation. 

"We saw it coming and yet the wind was so strong, but the weak condition of the boat made it even more difficult for them to evade the situation," he said. 

The mood in Pacego village has been sombre as residents try to come to terms with the tragic events. 

James Okoko, an elder in the village said the victims would be buried in a mass grave. 

"We shall bury them in a mass grave. It's a very terrible experience for us," he said. 

Eimani urged traders and farmers crossing the Nile to ensure they use vessels which are in good condition to avoid further accidents.

The latest incident added to the growing number of canoe accident on River Nile.

Last year 10 traders who were returning from Nwoya died when their canoe capsized at the same spot.