Small boat operations suspended in Oyam following accident
Nov 26, 2024
“We must ensure such tragedies are avoided by enforcing safety measures,” Okec said.

Small boat operations suspended in Oyam following accident

Hudson Apunyo
Journalist @New Vision
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OYAM
Police in Oyam have ordered the suspension of small boat operations on River Nile and called for stricter adherence to safety protocols.
The order by Oyam district Police commander, Job Mutegeki, follows tragedy striking on the River Nile when a boat carrying four individuals capsized, leaving all occupants feared dead.
The victims, identified as Sevestiano Ojok, 58, from Juma parish, Kamdini sub-county; Hassan Muhammad, 43; David Ocirchan, 38 and Steven Agenonga, 36, all residents of Kololo village, Nyamahasa sub-county in Kiryandongo district, were travelling on a small fishing boat when the incident occurred.
Details of the incident
According to Mutegeki, the boat capsized at about 9:30pm on Sunday, November 24, 2024, after being hit by a wave. Preliminary investigations suggest the small fishing boat was used instead after the bigger boat with engine was parked at the time of the accident.
Mutegeki in a statement reported that the first boat had successfully transported a motorcycle across the river from Dicunyi Landing Site to Awoo Landing Site in Kiryandongo District. However, the second boat failed to complete its journey, succumbing to the strong current before reaching the shore.
Safety concerns
Kabalega Landing Site supervisor, Francis Okec, underscored the need for boat operators to prioritise passenger safety by equipping boats with life jackets.
“We must ensure such tragedies are avoided by enforcing safety measures,” Okec said.
Muhammad Avibu, a resident, said the victims were last seen preparing to cross the river to watch a football match between Black Angels and Arua Hill.
The search for the bodies continues as local authorities collaborate with residents to retrieve the victims.
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