At least two fishermen have died in a boat accident after their vessel capsized on Lake Kyoga.
The victims have been identified as Simon Osina, also known as Ali, aged 22, and Peter Kirya, also known as Hamuza, aged 20. Both were residents of Walumbe Village in Itamia Ward, Kidera Town Council.
According to Police, the incident occurred on the evening of May 11, 2026, at about 5pm, when the two men were fishing on a branch of Lake Kyoga using what authorities described as an illegal and unsafe boat.
Samson Lubega said investigations had been launched into the accident, which claimed the lives of the two young fishermen.
Preliminary findings indicate that heavy rainfall and strong winds struck the area during the fishing expedition, causing the vessel to capsize. The fishermen were unable to stay afloat and drowned.
In a related development, a juvenile fisherman operating a separate illegal boat in the same area also capsized during the storm but managed to swim to safety. The survivor later alerted relatives of the deceased, who reported the matter to Kidera Police Station.
Police, working with local residents, later retrieved the bodies from the lake. The remains were taken to Kidera Health Centre IV mortuary for postmortem examinations.
Lubega cautioned members of the public, especially those engaged in fishing activities, against using unauthorized or unseaworthy boats, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
“We urge all lake users to prioritize safety and avoid venturing onto the water using illegal vessels,” he said.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over unsafe fishing practices and compliance with maritime safety regulations on Uganda’s water bodies, particularly Lake Kyoga, where accidents linked to poor equipment and unpredictable weather remain common.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing.