A heartbreaking incident occurred at Ochora landing site on Lake Kyoga on Friday. Seven bodies were retrieved from the waters after a boat carrying mourners capsized while en route to a burial in Kiryanga.
The boat, which was overloaded with over thirty passengers, struck a submerged log, leading to the tragic accident.
Eyewitness accounts from survivors shed light on the chaotic moments following the devastating event.
Amuge Sandra, who is currently hospitalised, recounted her harrowing experience, praising her husband for rescuing her amid a near-death moment.
She shared a touching moment when a boy, who initially attempted to save another woman, instead chose to rescue her three-year-old child.
Sandra lamented that those who know how to swim survived, highlighting the tragic disparity between those who were able to fight for their lives and those who were not.
Another survivor, Vicky Acen, described the frightening sequence of events.
Having left Ochora to attend a burial at Pig Aweno village in Kiryanga, she escaped death by clutching onto a log that had also been hit by the boat.
Acen noted the panic that ensued post-incident, where many onlookers feared approaching the scene, mistaking rescuers for the Fisheries Protection Unit.
Fortunately, two brave individuals came forward to assist in the aftermath of the disaster.
Ayena Goddfrey, the LC3 chairperson of Namsale town council, confirmed the tragedy, stating that many mourners abandoned their original plans to attend the burial and instead mobilised to assist in the recovery of the deceased.
By the time of reporting, seven bodies had been retrieved from the Lake, with ambulances dispatched to transport them to the Amolatar Health Centre mortuary.
The police have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, while the community is still in shock and mourning.
The loss of lives during what was meant to be a day of remembrance serves as a sombre reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable forces of nature.
Discover more from tndNews, Uganda
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.