news 1 May 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
River Nguse Boat Capsizing: Five More Bodies Recovered, Total Reaches Nine
Rescue divers from UPDF and UPF retrieved five additional bodies from River Nguse on Friday, raising the confirmed death toll to nine in the ongoing search for over 20 missing after a canoe capsized. Overloading is suspected as the cause of the Tuesday tragedy that claimed mostly charcoal burners and farmers en route from Kikuube to Kagadi district. Source: https://observer.ug/news/r-nguse-boat-accident-five-more-bodies-retrieved
Search teams recovered five more bodies from River Nguse on the third day of operations following a deadly boat accident. The divers, from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Uganda Police Force (UPF), found the remains on Friday, bringing the total retrieved to nine after four were found Thursday.
The incident involved a locally made canoe that capsized Tuesday evening around 8:30 p.m. in Kyaleni cell, Pacwa town council, Kagadi district. Over 30 passengers, mainly charcoal burners and farmers returning from Kikuube district with bags of charcoal, were aboard when it overturned.
Eight individuals survived the mishap. Joint marine teams immediately began combing the river for survivors and bodies, with efforts set to continue until all missing persons are accounted for.
Albertine region police spokesperson Julius Hakiza urged relatives to stay calm and assist authorities. Preliminary investigations suggest overloading led to the capsize.
Buyaga East MP Eric Musana called on the Office of the Prime Minister to aid bereaved families, labeling it a major disaster. Kagadi LC V chairperson Yosia Ndibwami noted the district is documenting affected persons and has informed the government.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)