Seven people died on Friday morning when a boat carrying mourners capsized on Lake Kyoga.
The accident happened as 36 people were traveling to Kiryanga Village in Acii Sub County, Amolatar District. They were going to attend the burial of Joyce Abuni, the sister of Muchura Anglican Church catechist Alfred Oduno.
Police said the boat hit a tree stump around 11 a.m. as it neared the landing site. The engine struck the stump, causing the captain to lose control, and the vessel overturned. The boat was also carrying more people than it should have.
Those who lost their lives were named as Steven Odeke, chairperson of Muchora Abino A Village, Catherine Aguti, Sylvia Abonyo, Jaspher Ogwal, Robina Ejang, Semmy Agwech, and one unidentified man.
Some passengers managed to swim to safety, but six others went missing. Police deployed marine divers, who later recovered six bodies. The bodies were taken to Amolatar Health Facility for post-mortem examinations.
Search efforts were still ongoing to find the last missing person. Authorities urged communities around Lake Kyoga to be cautious and avoid overloading boats when crossing the waters.
