Seven dead as boat capsizes on Lake Kyoga
The ill-fated engine boat, carrying about 36 passengers, reportedly struck a stationary log about 400 metres from its landing site, throwing passengers into the water.
Detectives from Amolatar Central Police Station, led by D/Sgt Mike Okello, reported that preliminary investigations revealed that the boat was overloaded. (New Vision/Files)
By Hudson Apunyo
Journalists @New Vision
AMOLATAR - Seven people have been confirmed dead after an overloaded boat carrying mourners to a burial capsized in Lake Kyoga on Friday morning.
According to a police incident report, the tragedy occurred at about 11:00am near Kiryanga village, Acii Sub-county, Amolatar District.
The ill-fated engine boat, carrying about 36 passengers, reportedly struck a stationary log about 400 metres from its landing site, throwing passengers into the water.
Police named the deceased as:
• Steven Odeke, 65, LC1 chairperson of Muchora Abino A village, Acii Sub-county, Amolatar.
• Catherine Aguti, 55, from Okwalongen Sub-county, Dokolo District.
• Sylvia Abonyo, 35, from Amuda village, Soroti District.
• Jaspher Ogwal, 38, from Corner Bileo Trading Centre, Arwotcek Sub-county, Amolatar.
• Robina Ejang, 30, from Alemere Bung cell, Epel ward, Amolatar Town Council.
• Semmy Agwech, 20, from Etam Sub-county, Amolatar, plus Aboyi Nama, a male adult.
A total of 29 passengers survived with no injuries, while five were rushed to hospital in critical condition. The bodies of the deceased were taken to Amolatar Health Centre IV mortuary for post-mortem.
Detectives from Amolatar Central Police Station, led by D/Sgt Mike Okello,
reported that preliminary investigations revealed that the boat was overloaded.
Amolatar Resident District Commissioner Francis Okello Odoki Rwotlonyo said all the passengers have been accounted for.
He praised the joint rescue operation involving the Police Marine Unit, UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit, and local fishermen.
Background
Parts of Acii Sub-county were submerged by rising waters of Lake Kyoga and Kwania about five years ago, creating islands. For residents, boats remain the only means of transport to reach neighbouring communities and attend social events such as burials.
Lake Kyoga: A history of tragedy
May 2020 – Over 30 people perished when a boat capsized on Lake Kyoga in Namasale Sub-county, Amolatar District.
2018 – At least 20 fishermen drowned in Serere after their boat was swept by heavy winds.
2016 – Dozens killed when a boat capsized in Amolatar during a church trip.
Recurring causes – Overloading, poor safety gear, bad weather, and weak enforcement of marine safety rules.