20 Confirmed Dead in Lake Victoria Canoe Accident, Search and Rescue Operation Underway

In an early Wednesday morning incident on Lake Victoria, a canoe carrying an alleged 34 people capsized while en route to Katabi town council from Lwanabatya and Ntuuwa landing sites in Kalangala District. So far, 20 people have been confirmed dead, and nine have been rescued. 

The rescue operation involves police marines, Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) Fisheries Protection Unit, and the local community. The boat was loaded with bags of charcoal, fresh foods, and silverfish. The accident's cause is attributed to overloading and bad weather.

“The incident happened at 5 am and so far 20 people have been confirmed dead, and nine rescued,” said Patrick Onyango the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson in a brief statement on Wednesday afternoon. He noted that the boat was carrying bags of charcoal, fresh foods and silverfish.

"It is worth noting that the death toll from accidents on Ugandan water bodies is often high due to many users ignoring safety measures," he added.