Seven feared dead as cargo boat capsizes on Lake Victoria

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Seven people have been confirmed dead following the capsize of a cargo boat in Bufumira sub-county, Kalangala district.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, at around 3:00 am.

The boat, which was transporting charcoal from various islands to Nakiwogo in Entebbe, was struck by heavy waves, causing it to capsize.

According to Moses Bukenya, a survivor, there were 12 people aboard the boat, but only five were rescued by a fishing boat from Kacanga landing site.

"Before the boat capsized, the coxswain told us that water was filling the boat, and we began throwing charcoal bags overboard. However, the boat eventually capsized, leaving survivors clinging to charcoal sacks," said Bukenya.

The survivors we contacted to confirm their identities were Moses Bukenya, Musa Mukonjo from Nakawa landing site on Bugaba Island, Foster Musinguzi, John Mukiza from Bbosa landing site on Sserinya Island, and Sadat Bogere from Kivunza landing site on Bunyama Island.

The cargo boat had reportedly started loading charcoal the previous night from Kivunza before connecting with other sites, including Buwunge on Bufumira Island.

Kalangala district police commander Kenneth Masete told New Vision on Monday they were still trying to establish the number of people on the ill-fated boat as well as their identities.

By press time, the identities of the deceased were still unknown.