Police offers public free swimming lessons after MV Templar tragedy
Police has announced they are offering free swimming and life- saving lessons to the public as the country commemorates the one year anniversary since the MV Templar boat capsized killed a number of people.
On November 24, 2018, MV Templar, a vote destined for K-Palm beach capsized a few metres away from Mutima beach in Mukono district.
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The joint operation by Police and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) marines and local saw 32 bodies recovered whereas 26 people, including Prince David Wasajja of Buganda, musician Iryn Namubiru and a city tycoon, John Fredrick Kiyimba commonly known as Freeman rescued.
Addressing journalists on Monday, deputy police spokesperson, Polly Namaye said as part of the commemorations to mark one year since the tragedy, they have organized free lessons in swimming and life- saving to members of the public.
“The Uganda Police marine department in partnership with Swim Safe Uganda and Civil Aviation Authority have partnered to provide free lessons to members of the public willing to take part. The program will run from December 9 to 19th at Nameless beach in Entebbe,”Namaye said.
Following the incident, it was reported that before the ill-fated MV Templar took the fateful journey, marine police officers attempted to block the operators and revelers from leaving KK beach Ggaba in vain despite the boat being in a poor condition that had seen it fabricated a few minutes to setting off.
It was also reported that the boat had been grounded for three months before last time and hurried refurbishments were done on it, hours to the fateful journey.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, the deputy police spokesperson said despite water transport being one of the safest because there is no traffic congestion, there is need to follow guidelines put in place for one’s safety.
“There are guidelines like putting on lifejackets and many others we put in place and these should be followed to the latter while using water transport as well as other safety precautions on the part of beach management.”
Following the November 24, 2018 incident, Police said the tragedy was caused by overloading a boat which was in poor mechanical condition.
