At least 30 people are feared missing after a boat carrying dozens of passengers capsized on the Nguse River in western Uganda on Tuesday night, sparking an ongoing search and rescue operation.
Police say the vessel was believed to be carrying between 35 and 40 passengers, though the exact number remains unclear due to the absence of a passenger manifest. The uncertainty has complicated rescue efforts and left families anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones.
Local authorities report that about eight people managed to swim to safety, but conflicting accounts persist regarding the total number of survivors. Meanwhile, rescue teams have begun recovering bodies from the river, deepening fears that the death toll could rise significantly.
Sulaiman Karungi, a marine police officer involved in the operation, said preliminary findings suggest the boat was dangerously overloaded. In addition to passengers, the vessel was reportedly transporting bags of charcoal.
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“If you see the boat and you are told that 40, 39 people were onboard, you cannot imagine it,” Karungi said, highlighting the scale of overcrowding.
Divers were expected to resume search operations on Friday as efforts continue to locate those still missing. Authorities have also launched an investigation into the cause of the दुर्घত, with early indications pointing to a combination of overloading, nighttime travel, and the condition of the vessel.
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Maritime accidents are a recurring problem on Uganda’s waterways, where boats are often poorly maintained and safety regulations weakly enforced. Overcrowding and lack of proper safety equipment, such as life jackets, have contributed to numerous past tragedies.
As the search continues, families gathered along the riverbanks remain hopeful for answers, even as the likelihood of finding more survivors grows increasingly slim.
