By Johnbosco Tugume
HOIMA: Three people have been confirmed dead while over 30 others are stilling missing following a boat accident on Lake Albert.
The marine accident occurred on Sunday afternoon near Fofo Landing site in Buseruka Sub county, Hoima district. Siraji Bedijo, the Buseruka Sub county youth councilor says the ill-fated boat was carrying over 60 footballers and fans, heading to Runga Landing site in the neighbouring Kigorobya Sub county for a friendly match.
30 of the boat passengers were rescued by local fishermen. The deceased have been identified as Majid Mayaya, Winnie Ayera and one Omirambe, all residents of Fofo landing site. Beker Ogen, the Chairman Fofo Landing site attributes the accident to overloading and bad weather. He reveals that the boat was taken off course by strong wind.
Sunday Bruno, the UPDF Marine Officer at Mbegu Detach says the search for the missing persons is underway. This is the latest of the many fatal accidents on Lake Albert. In December 2016, about 30 footballers drowned in the same lake in Buliisa district. The water tragedy comes barely half a year after the one on Lake Victoria in November last year. Over 30 Kampala party goers drowned during a boat cruise.
