Five killed, 14 rescued as overloaded boat breaks apart on L. Victoria

The Police in Buvuma are investigating a tragic incident on Lake Victoria, where a boat traveling from Zigunga to Zinga Island got an accident, killing 5 people. The incident, occurred at 1900 hours on January 1, 2024.

Authorities confirm that so far, 5 people are dead, with an additional 14 successfully rescued. Unfortunately, an unconfirmed number of individuals remain missing. The ill-fated boat, reportedly overloaded, broke into two pieces while attempting to dock at Zinga Island.

Eyewitness testimonies indicate that the boat was carrying an undisclosed number of passengers. Hellen Butoto, the PRO Ssezibwa Region says efforts are underway to establish the exact number of individuals on board.

14 survivors, helped by their colleagues with swimming abilities, were rescued and transported to Bugaya Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention.

The deceased individuals have been identified as:

1. Bukenya Monday, aged 50
2. Nantaba Sisa, aged 7
3. Nanjita Lydia, aged 16
4. Ssabano Night, aged 9
5. Namuwaya Angel, aged 10

The survivors are as follows:

1. Bandibasa Annet, aged 35
2. Nakintu Florence, aged 45
3. Nalubega Samali, aged 3
4. Nalunga Olivia, aged 6
5. Bukenya Joseph, aged 50
6. Omodingi Joseph, aged 15
7. Kaguna Shinsia, aged 9
8. Mukasa David, aged 54
9. Kutusa Namatovu, aged 40
10. Juma Kangungulu, aged 13
11. Shaluwa Nishima, aged 9
12. Naziwa Precious, aged 6
13. Yisa Yoweri, aged 2
14. Sseluyembe Dan, aged 6 months

Butoto says the marine police are still working to recover any additional bodies that may still be missing, as investigations into the cause of the accident continue.