By Mubiru Ivan
Ugandans have taken to social media to commiserate with relatives of about 16 victims of a boat that capsized on Lake Victoria on Saturday evening.
The marine unit of the Uganda Police Force and UPDF saved the lives of 40 party goers in a commando like rescue mission.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Mulago hospital.
Prince David Wasajja, Kabaka Ronald Mutebi’s brother was reportedly among the 100 plus clients aboard the Ill fated KPalm boat.
A survivor who talked to Watchdog Uganda before being whisked away by security operatives said before they boarded, they complained about the boat being in overloaded.
Their pleas were however ignored before they set off from KK Beach in Ggaba to KPalm Resort in Mukono.
K Palm Resort is described as ‘a simple lodge located along the shores of Lake Victoria. K Palm is one of the popular spots during the much coveted Lake Victoria Boat Cruise in Uganda.’
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the commander of the Special Forces Group tweeted on Sunday; ‘Very sorry to hear of the loss of life in Lake Victoria of revellers whose boat capsized. Well done to the @PoliceUg and UPDF Marine units who rescued some people.’
The World Health Organization posted,
“We are saddened by the passing of the young lives lost on a boat that capsized on #LakeVictoria in #Uganda??, this evening. We commiserate with the families and wish them comfort during this trying time”
BKawawa’s take:
#Uganda. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and their families. Let’s hope that the Uganda Police Force (Coastal Guards?!) are gonna rescue more, save more lives.
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