The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The ongoing operation to retrieve MV Templar from Lake Victoria and recover the bodies of the remaining victims has boosted business at Mutima Beach in Mpaata Sub County in Mukono district.
Dozens of people have been flocking Mutima beach to witness the operation to retrieve the wreckage and bodies from the Lake over the past five days. The operation, which involves officers from the Police Marine, UPDF, Works Ministry, fishermen, journalists and the local community entered its sixth day today.
Those involved in the operation have set up base at Mutima beach, which has boosted business. Denis Kyeyune, the Manager Mutima Beach, says they have been making money during week days since the accident occurred, which isn’t the case during other times.
He says they are mostly making money from selling food, drinks and accommodation to some of the people who come to witness the operation.
Currently, one pays between Shillings 2000-2500 to gain access to Mutima beach. According to Kyeyune, they decided to charge people so to generate money to rehabilitate the place after the operation.
Joseph Kironde, a resident of Buzindere village in Mpatta Sub County, says he came to the beach to witness the rescue operation but was surprised when he was charged entrance fees.
Paul Kajubi, one of those who went to Mutima beach to witness the operation, faults management for taking advantage of the tragedy to charge them.
MV Templar capsized on Saturday last week while ferrying an estimated more than 120 revelers from Gabba to K-Palm beach in Mukono district. At least 33 people are confirmed to have died while 27 others were rescued from the waters.
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