5 dead, 14 rescued from capsized boat in Buvuma

Mukono, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Five bodies of people who drowned in Lake Victoria on January 1, 2024, have been retrieved in Buvuma District. The boat, which was reportedly overloaded with a non specified number of people broke into two pieces and capsized shortly before docking at Zinga Island in Buvuma District last evening.

Bugaya LC III Chairperson Jodoro Sserwanja says that most of the people on the boat were returning from the passover night organized at one of the shrines at Zigunga Island to usher in the New Year.

So far 14 people have been successfully rescued. These include Annet Bandibasa 35, Florence Nakintu 35, Samali Nassali 3, Olivia Nalunga 6, Joseph Bukenya 50, Joseph Omoding 15, Shinsia Kaguna 9, David Mukasa 54, Kutusa Namatovu 40, Juma Kakungulu 13, Nishima Saluwa 9, Precious Nazziwa 6, Yisa Yoweri 2, and Dan Sseluyembe six months.

The deceased were identified as Monday Bukenya, 50, Sisa Nantaba, 7, Lydia Nanjita, 16, Night Ssabano 9, and Angel Namuwaya 10.

Ssezibwa regional police spokesperson, Hellen Butoto says an unconfirmed number of individuals remain missing. According to her, accounts from eyewitnesses suggest that the boat was carrying more people than those who have been accounted for.

“Fourteen survivors were helped by their colleagues and those with swimming abilities were able to rescue themselves. These survivors were transported to Bugaya Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention,” Butoto says.