The joint search of the Uganda Police, the Uganda People’s Defense Forces marines and the local fishermen has so far retrieved 16 bodies from Lake Albert Accident that happened on Sunday 19, 2019.
According to the latest statment, six more bodies have been recovered from the lake. These bodies have been identified as Ayiyorwotha Komakech, a male juvenile, 15years, Kyoshaba Bob, 28yrs, Balikenda Kisembo, 20yrs, Adinan Oscar, 18yrs, Pirwoth Opek Rwoth, 20yrs and Jango Filisido, 26yrs.
It has been established that the boat was transporting a local football team and fans, from Foso Landing Site to Runga Landing Site, in Kigorobya, Hoima district. The boat capsized a few minutes after it had taken off on Sunday. A total of 32 occupants managed to survive after they were rescued, while others swam to the shores.
“We want to commend the search teams for their efforts in finding the bodies of all missing persons that drowned in the lake. The tragic incident demonstrates how the industry is still full of operators who ignore safety recommendations thus making passengers vulnerable as they travel on waters,” Police said in a statement.
Police have urged all boat operators on Ugandan waters to adhere to the maritime safety precautions in place and also work closely with the inspectors from the Ministry of Works and Transport, to streamline their operation on the waters.
The incident is currently under investigation after it was established that the landing site is ungazetted, no life jackets and manifests or registers for passengers, the boats are neither inspected nor licensed to operate, and with no established management structures in place.
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