26 dead as commuter boat capsizes in Western Uganda
A boat mishap on Lake Albert, shared by Uganda and the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo has left at least 26 dead on Tuesday.
Captain Favourite Rugumayo, Uganda’s Military Marine Brigade spokesperson, confirmed this late Friday.
Mr. Rugumayo told Xinhua by telephone that five more bodies were retrieved on Friday, bringing the total number to 26.
“About eight people are still missing, but today (Friday), we managed to retrieve five more bodies.
“About three people are still missing,’’ said Mr. Rugumayo.
“A total of 21 people were rescued alive and as for now the chances of rescuing people alive are growing slim,’’ he added.
The boat, carrying more than 50 passengers and goods, was travelling from Songalendu landing site in the western Ugandan district of Buliisa to Panyimur market in the northwest district of Pakwach district.
“The likely cause of the accident was mechanical.
“According to survivors, they said there was an engine failure coupled with rough weather,’’ said Mr. Rugumayo. “The joint team of UPDF (Uganda People’s Defence Forces) and Police marines will continue with the search for missing bodies.’’
(Xinhua/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
Court dismisses Bayelsa traditional ruler’s suit against Shell
The Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, dismissed a suit challenging the divestment of Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Limited from onshore assets.
States
Freed kidnap victims revealed terrorist losses in North-West operations: Army
The army said the victims told troops they were released after sustained military pressure weakened their captors operating from the Rijana forest.
Heading 4
Trump accuses China of interfering in 2020 election to help Biden win
Mr Trump said China meddled in the 2020 election and that Beijing helped former President Joe Biden win.
Agriculture
FG establishes mega farms in four states
He said NALDA targets establishing mega farm estates across the six geopolitical zones to address challenges affecting agricultural production and create modern farming communities.
World
Russian jailed 13 years for smuggling aircraft parts to Ukraine
The FSB said the man intended to deliver the spare parts to a key enterprise that maintains military aircraft and helicopters for the Ukrainian forces.
![Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi [Photo Credit: Twitter]](https://gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/G_al6PKXIAAfMKN.jpg)
States
Kogi School Abduction: We will never negotiate with criminals, Gov. Ododo says
“Let me reiterate that we will never negotiate with criminals. We will never pay ransom. We will rid Kogi of criminals,” Mr Ododo said.
