news 1 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
River Nguse Boat Capsize: Three More Bodies Found as Search Hits Day Three
Rescue teams recovered three additional bodies from River Nguse on Friday, raising the death toll to six from a canoe accident that claimed over 30 lives. The ongoing search involves police and local divers amid hopes of finding more victims. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/more-bodies-recovered-from-river-nguse-as-search-enters-third-day-5443156
The Police Marine Unit, aided by local divers, pulled three more bodies from River Nguse on Friday morning around 10:00am. This brings the total recovered to six since the search started on Tuesday.
The tragedy unfolded Tuesday evening at 8:00pm when a canoe overturned on the river bordering Kagadi and Kikuube districts. Over 30 people were reportedly drowned while heading home from charcoal burning in Bugoma Forest, carrying bags of charcoal.
No recoveries happened on the first day. Three bodies were found Thursday, and three more Friday. Friday’s operation relied on police and locals, differing from earlier joint efforts with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces Marine Unit.
Locals joined after appealing to search for relatives. Three of the six bodies are identified; the latest three are not.
Kagadi GISO Herbert Busajja confirmed the finds and expressed optimism for more recoveries. Kagadi RDC Caroline Nanshemeza noted the incident was reported to the Prime Minister’s office and planned a site visit Friday.
Search operations continue.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)