AMOLATAR – Seven people drowned on Lake Kyoga in Amolatar District on Friday after an overloaded engine boat carrying mourners struck a stationary log and capsized, authorities have confirmed.
The victims—four women and three men—were among 36 passengers travelling from Muchora Abino A village in Acii Sub-county to Kiryanga village to escort their Protestant church catechist, Alfred Oduno, to the burial of his sister, Joyce Abuni.
Amolatar District Chairperson Geoffrey Ocen said the accident occurred in a submerged area of the lake where logs remain hidden hazards.
“The boat hit a log approximately 400 metres from the shore, causing it to overturn. Ten survivors, including three in critical condition, were admitted to Amolatar Health Centre IV and are now stable. The police marine unit, together with local fishermen, conducted a search but no bodies had been recovered at the time,” Ocen said.
The deceased were identified as:
- Steven Odeke, 65, LC1 chairperson of Muchora Abino A village
- Catherine Aguti, 55, of Okwalongen Sub-county, Dokolo District
- Sylvia Abonyo, 35, of Amuda village, Soroti District
- Jasper Ogwal, 38, of Corner Bileo Trading Centre, Amolatar
- Robina Ejang, 30, of Alemere Bung cell, Amolatar Town Council
- Semmy Agwech, 20, of Etam Sub-county, Amolatar
- A male adult identified only as Aboyi Nama
Authorities said 29 passengers survived the accident. Ocen attributed the tragedy partly to overloading and the dangers of navigating submerged areas of the lake.
“The boat was overloaded, a factor believed to have contributed to the tragedy. Five years ago, parts of Acii Sub-county were submerged by Lake Kyoga, leaving some areas accessible only by boat, with hidden logs posing serious risks,” Ocen explained.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Amolatar Health Centre IV mortuary for postmortem examinations before being handed over to their families for burial.