MV Templar heroes: Owecho's family long forgotten
Nov 23, 2019
One of the local fishermen, Bosco Owecho, also lost his life while attempting to rescue the victims. Although he was regarded as a national hero, his family is struggling to earn a living.
BOAT ACCIDENT MV TEMPLAR
MUKONO - Tomorrow November 24, will be exactly one year since the tragedy befell the country when a boat - MV Templar, carrying over 100 people, capsized, killing over 30 people on Lake Victoria.
A joint operation by Police and Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) marines and locals managed to recover 32 bodies and rescued 26 people, including Prince David Wasajja of Buganda, musician Iryn Namubiru and a city tycoon, John Fredrick Kiyimba commonly known as Freeman.
One of the local fishermen, Bosco Owecho, also lost his life while attempting to rescue the victims. Although he was regarded as a national hero, his family is struggling to earn a living.
Many celebrities and politicians including FDC party president, Patrick Oboi Amuriat, came out and promised to help his family, but they did not honour their pledge.
Owecho's mother
Owecho's widow Juliet Kiiza, his mother, mother-in-law Juliet Nakiyinji and other relatives were caught on camera narrating their ordeal.
Nakiyinji called on the public to help construct a house for her daughter and her children.
Owecho's mother also said she has been down with high blood pressure since her son's death. She also noted that they have failed to raise funds for Owecho's last funeral rites.
Owecho's mother-in-law
Owecho's homestead