Tragic Boat Capsize on River Nguse Leaves Over 30 Charcoal Burners Missing in Kagadi

A devastating boat accident on River Nguse in Kagadi District has left over 30 people presumed dead. The incident occurred Tuesday night around 8:00 pm, when a vessel carrying residents from Kyareeni Cell in Pacwa Town Council overturned.

The victims were heading back from Bugoma Forest, where they had been producing charcoal—a common but controversial livelihood in the area despite bans on forest encroachment. The river divides Kagadi and Kikuube districts.

By Wednesday afternoon, Marine Police joined locals in searching for the missing, as hundreds of relatives gathered at the shore. Eyewitnesses reported the boat was overloaded with passengers and charcoal sacks. Unverified accounts suggest eight survivors, mostly strong swimmers.

Relatives like Robert Kyamanywa await news of two kin, pleading for body recovery. LC1 Chairperson Mary Mugisa confirmed his son, Gumisiriza Ahebwa, is among the missing, noting most victims were young people involved in logging.

Local leaders, including NRM’s Kahwa Milton and LC3 Justus Businge, lamented ongoing defiance of forest protection warnings. They highlighted risks of intoxication on boats and weak enforcement by the National Forestry Authority. Some missing may hide to avoid arrest for illegal activities.

Identified missing include Kahiigi Mwesigwa, Tugumisirize Ahebwa, and Kachengi Musinguzi; survivor Kabucurera Elina. No bodies recovered by press time, with Kagadi Police coordinating efforts.

This tragedy echoes past drownings, underscoring dangers of deforestation and unsafe river crossings.

Source: Daily Monitor