Lake Victoria boat accident death toll rises to six

The death toll in the boat accident on Lake Victoria has risen to six after Police divers recovered a body of a 17 year old who was a passenger in the boat.

The Tuesday accident saw a boat from Bussi Island in Wakiso district destined for Nakiwogo Landing site capsize with 17 people on board.

Speaking on Wednesday, the Marine police spokesperson, ASP Anthony Amanya confirmed a sixth body had been recovered from the waters of Lake Victoria as the search for more bodies continues.

He however noted that there is  need to reassess transport management on the lake to stop the rising tragic cases.

"We are  trying  to engage most stakeholders including beach management leadership to enable us coordinate operations on the lake.For example, the boat that capsized belonged to one of the councillors in the area but it wasn’t licensed meaning there’s a need to engage all stakeholders to avoid unnecessary and avoidable accidents,” ASP Amanya stated.

He urged water users to adhere to safety measures saying ,”every passenger should put on a life jacket , avoid moving on overloaded boats among others.”

“As Marine, we are going to tighten the deployment and operation on the lake . Whoever will be found moving on the lake within unauthorized time and  unlawfully sailing passengers shall be arrested and charged before courts of law,” Amanya added.

Last year, 20 people drowned when a boat they were travelling in capsized near Kasenyi Landing Site on Lake Victoria in Katabi Town Council.