Several confirmed dead, 20 missing in Lake Albert boat accident

Three have been confirmed dead while over 20 others are still missing after a boat carrying football players and fans capsized on Lake Albert on Sunday afternoon, the New Vision reports.

The deceased have been identified as Majid Mayaya, Winnie Ayera and one male only known as Omirambe, all residents of Fofo landing site, Tonya parish in Buseruka sub-county, Hoima district.

Earlier reports had indicated that thirty people could have drowned are following the accident.

However, Uganda Radio Network names up to 14 people who are dead including Bob, Fisto, Jango, Ayera, Majid, Mayaya, Omirambe, Bondhe, and Opakrwoth.  Others are Dhebaba, Nyayenga, Winnie, Kothu, and Anifa.

Baker Ogen, the Fofo landing site LC1 Chairperson told Uganda Radio Network that the players and the Football fans were heading to Runga landing site in Kibiro parish Kigorobya sub-county Hoima district for a football match.

He says strong winds hit the overloaded boat a few meters from Fofo landing site after setting off.

Ogen attributes the accident to overloading. Ogen adds that the players were using a fishing boat at the time of the accident yet they were supposed to have used a transport boat.

Reports also indicate that the boat on which the victims were sailing is supposed to carry 25 passengers although it had about 50 on board at the time of the tragedy.