12 feared dead in Lake Albert accident

At least 12 people are feared dead after the boat in which they were traveling capsized on Lake Albert in western Uganda on Monday.
The victims, all traders and residents of Kamina, Songarao and Kitebere landing sites in Ndaiga Sub County in Kagadi District were sailing to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Kagadi District Police Commander, Mr Romeo Onek Ojara said the traders set off for DRC about 11pm on Sunday.

“Before reaching Rwabangi Landing Site in DRC, the boat capsized at about 7am. Six people have been rescued but the whereabouts of 12 people remain unknown. They are feared dead,” Mr Ojara said.
He said a team of security officials and fishermen used a fibre boat that belongs to Kagadi District local government to rush to the scene of the accident.

He said police are yet to identify the victims as investigations into the incident have commenced.
According to Mr Livingston Akugizibwe, the Ndiaiga Sub County district councilor, six people were rescued by fishermen who witnessed the accident.

“They were heading to DR Congo to sell fish. Their boat was hit by strong winds before capsizing,” Mr Akugizibwe said.
He said it’s only the boat carrying traders that capsized as the vessel that transported their fish docked safely.
According to Mr Akugizibwe, none of the traders wore a life jacket at the time of the accident.

“There is a lot of laxity in enforcing safety measures on the lake. The fishermen are exposed to such risks. Security officials need to be checked,” he said.
In May this year, 16 people died at Fofo Landing site on Lake Albert in Hoima District when a boat in which they were traveling capsized.
In December 2016, over 45 people drowned in Lake Albert on Christmas day as they traveled to participate in a friendly football match.