news 1 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Families of River Nguse Boat Victims Receive Shs5m Each from President Museveni
President Museveni has provided Shs150 million to support families affected by the River Nguse boat capsizing that killed at least eight, with each deceased's family getting Shs5 million for burials. Survivors reached 11 as some emerged from hiding, amid ongoing searches and directives to destroy unsafe boats. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/families-of-victims-of-river-nguse-boat-accident-get-shs5m-each-5444046
A tragic boat accident on River Nguse, separating Kagadi and Kikuube districts, claimed multiple lives when a canoe overloaded with over 30 passengers from Bugoma Forest capsized on April 28, 2026.
By May 1, rescuers had recovered eight bodies, while the survivor count rose to 11 after some initially hid fearing arrest. Scores remain missing.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja delivered Shs150 million from President Museveni, allocating Shs5 million per deceased family for burial costs, assuming around 30 drownings. She added Shs20 million personally, handing funds to a search committee led by RDC Caroline Nanshemeza.
Nabbanja ordered the Police Marine Unit to burn all wooden boats on the river after recoveries, declaring them unsafe. The Police Marine Commandant noted the canoe was rated for 15 but carried 35 without life jackets.
She warned against entering Bugoma Forest, now under Uganda Wildlife Authority for national park status, with arrests for trespassers.
Local leaders sought a bridge or modern boat but were rejected to protect the forest. Victims were charcoal burners, highlighting risks in unregulated water transport plagued by overloading and poor safety.
The Ministry supplied 15 life jackets, and calls grew for equipping local divers.
Source: Daily Monitor