Seven die in Lake Kyoga boat accident

A boat accident on Lake Kyoga in Amolatar District has claimed the lives of seven people after their vessel capsized near Kiryanga Village in Acii Sub-county.

According to the territorial maritime police in Amolatar, the incident occurred at around 11:00 a.m. on Friday when the boat, carrying 36 passengers, struck a stationary tree stump about 400 metres from the Kiryanga landing site and overturned. Twenty-nine passengers survived.

Police said the passengers were travelling from Muchora Abino A Village to Kiryanga to escort a catechist attending a burial ceremony.

The deceased were identified as Odeke Steven, 65, LC1 chairperson of Muchora Abino A Village, Acii Sub-county, Amolatar District; Aguti Catherine, 55, from Okwalongen Sub-county, Dokolo District; Abonyo Sylvia, 35, resident of Amuda Village, Soroti District; Ogwal Jaspher, 38, from Corner Bileo Trading Centre, Arwotcek Sub-county, Amolatar District; Ejang Robina, 30, of Alemere Bung Cell, Epel Ward, Amolatar Town Council; Agwech Semmy, 20, from Etam Sub-county, Amolatar District; and one unidentified male adult.

The bodies were taken to Amolatar Health Centre IV mortuary for post-mortem examinations