By Male Marvin
The nation is in mourning following news of a boat cruise carrying 120 people to a party that capsized on Lake Victoria leaving multiple people dead on Saturday.
In a tweet, Uganda Police said that its marine unit has so far rescued over 40 people, including Prince David Wasajja, a brother of Buganda King Kabaka Ronald Mutebi.
We heard people screaming as the boat capsized, we rushed and tried to save some of them.” An eye witness at Mutima Island, Lake Victoria told media reporters at the scene.
“I’ve lost my son, I don’t really know what to say,” remarked a father to Isaac Kayondo, one of the victims.
According to security officials, rescue efforts are to continue overnight as it is feared others may be trapped under the completely submerged boat. Other survivors include singer Iryn Namubiru and rapper The Mith.
The vessel was reportedly heading to Motola Beach having left Port bell.
Video footage making rounds on social media showed revellers dancing and drinking while posing for the camera on the boat before it capsized.
Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the third largest, by area, in the world after Lake Superior and the Caspian Sea. It is approximately 26,590sq miles.
“Yet another huge disaster on Lake Victoria. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims families,” Opposition figure, and former presidential candidate Kizza Besigye tweeted.
James Peterson who is a a presenter on 93.3 KFM, took to social media to thank God for the survivors.
“Let’s pray for the families of those who lost their lives. May God strengthen them during this difficult time,” he added.
