Capsized MV Kabalega worries residents

RAKAI. Fishermen and residents of Bukasa, Bubeke and Mazinga islands, Kalangala District have petitioned State minister for Works Katumba Wamala to help remove MV Kabalega, that capsized in Lake Victoria in 2005, from under the lake.

Mr Sam Nsubuga, the chairperson of Kisaba Sub-county on behalf of the residents, said the capsized marine vessel has turned into a death trap as many island dwellers risk being stuck in the shipwreck if it is not removed.
“Our items such as fishing nets have for long been stuck in the shipwreck. Recently, a young boy drowned in the lake and no one would help him because he got stuck in the capsized ship. Also, two people fell in the same area but we couldn’t get them. We request government to remove the wrecked ship,” Mr Nsubuga told Gen Katumba, during a recent meeting held at Kyamuswa Sub-county.

In the early hours of May 8, 2005, two marine vessels, MV Kaawa and MV Kabalega collided on Lake Victoria while transporting goods to and from Tanzania. MV Kabalega capsized two hours after the collusion while MV Kaawa was rescued by the marine forces.

The vessel sunk about 150 feet between Kuye Islands in Mazinga Sub-county and Bukasa in Kyamuswa Sub-county.
The capsized ferry, according to Mr Charles Balilemwa, an engineer in Kalangala District threatens not only the marine animals with the natural resource but also remains a black spot within Lake Victoria.
Gen Katumba said government will find applicable solution to remove the vessel from the lake. “For the vessel, we need to first sit and review how we can help the residents as a ministry and find a lasting solution,” he said.

EXPENSIVE

Stuck. Kalangala District chairperson Willy Lugoloobi said the removal of the vessel is too expensive and inconsequential to the economy.

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