By Spy Uganda
Tragedy struck on Lake Kyoga on Friday morning when a boat carrying mourners capsized near Kiryanga Village in Acii Sub-county, Amolatar District, killing seven people and leaving 29 others stranded before being rescued.
According to the territorial maritime police, the accident occurred at around 11:00 a.m. when the wooden vessel, which had 36 passengers on board, struck a stationary tree stump about 400 metres from the Kiryanga landing site and overturned. The passengers were traveling from Muchora Abino A Village to escort a catechist to a burial ceremony.
The deceased were identified as Odeke Steven, 65, the LC1 chairperson of Muchora Abino A Village; Aguti Catherine, 55, from Okwalongen Sub-county, Dokolo District; Abonyo Sylvia, 35, from Amuda Village, Soroti District; Ogwal Jaspher, 38, from Corner Bileo Trading Centre, Arwotcek Sub-county, Amolatar District; Ejang Robina, 30, of Alemere Bung Cell, Amolatar Town Council; Agwech Semmy, 20, from Etam Sub-county, Amolatar District; and one unidentified male adult.
Police said the bodies were taken to Amolatar Health Centre IV mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
Boat accidents are a recurring tragedy on Uganda’s lakes, often attributed to poor safety measures, overloading, and inadequate enforcement of maritime regulations. Authorities have urged communities to adhere to safety guidelines and ensure vessels are not overloaded to avoid similar incidents.
