Buvuma Boat Capsize: Five Confirmed Dead, 14 Others Rescued

Police in Buvuma have rescued fourteen people and recovered five lifeless bodies of passengers who drowned in Lake Victoria on January 1, 2024.

Hellen Butoto the Ssezibwa Regional Police Spokesperson says several people are still missing and efforts are underway to retrieve them.

Preliminary findings indicate that the boat that was over loaded capsized moments before docking at Zinga Island in Buvuma District on Sunday evening. The group on board were reportedly returning from Passover night organized at one of the shrines at Zigunga Island.

Butoto says among the  14 people rescued include Annet Bandibasa 35, Florence Nakintu 35, Samali Nassali 3, Olivia Nalunga 6, Joseph Bukenya 50, Joseph Omoding 15, Shinsia Kaguna 9, David Mukasa 54, Kutusa Namatovu 40, Juma Kakungulu 13, Nishima Saluwa 9, Precious Nazziwa 6, Yisa Yoweri 2, and Dan Sseluyembe, six months.

She also identifies the  deceased as Monday Bukenya, 50, Sisa Nantaba, 7, Lydia Nanjita, 16, Night Ssabano 9, and Angel Namuwaya 10.

“Fourteen survivors were helped by their colleagues and those with swimming abilities were able to rescue themselves. These survivors were transported to Bugaya Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention,” Butoto says.