Dozens still missing after Uganda river boat accident as search efforts continue
Search and rescue teams in western Uganda have resumed operations following a deadly boat accident on the Nguse River that has left dozens of people feared missing.
The boat capsized on Tuesday night while reportedly transporting passengers across the river, triggering an emergency response from local authorities and marine police.
According to police, the vessel is believed to have been carrying between 35 and 40 passengers at the time of the accident. However, officials have been unable to confirm the exact number of people onboard because there was no official passenger manifest.
Authorities say the lack of proper records has made it difficult to determine the full scale of the disaster, including the number of missing persons and survivors.
Early reports suggest that around 30 people may still be unaccounted for. Local officials said approximately eight passengers managed to swim to safety after the boat overturned.
Families of those believed to have been onboard have gathered near the riverbanks, anxiously waiting for updates as rescue teams continue to search the water for survivors and recover bodies.
Marine police officer Sulaiman Karungi said investigators suspect the vessel may have been dangerously overloaded.
He explained that based on the size and condition of the boat, it appeared incapable of safely carrying the reported number of passengers.
“If you see the boat and you are told that 40 or 39 people were onboard, you cannot imagine it,” Karungi said, highlighting concerns over overcrowding.
Reports also indicate the vessel was transporting bags of charcoal in addition to passengers, further increasing the load and potentially affecting its balance and stability on the water.
Divers returned to the river on Friday as search operations resumed after being temporarily paused.
Emergency responders are continuing efforts to locate the missing while authorities work to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the accident.
Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the capsizing, with preliminary findings pointing to several possible factors.
Among the issues under review are overloading, travelling at night, and the general condition of the boat.
Night travel is often considered high-risk on many waterways in the region due to poor visibility and limited access to emergency support.
Boat accidents remain common across Uganda, where many communities rely heavily on water transport for trade, fishing, and movement between remote areas.
However, concerns have frequently been raised over poor safety standards, weak enforcement of regulations, and the continued use of ageing vessels.
Transport operators have often been accused of ignoring safety guidelines, including exceeding passenger limits and operating boats without life jackets or maintenance checks.
Ugandan authorities have repeatedly urged operators and passengers to follow safety measures, but incidents continue to occur.
As rescue teams continue their work on the Nguse River, families remain hopeful for answers while mourning those already confirmed dead.
The tragedy has once again renewed calls for stricter safety enforcement on Uganda’s waterways to prevent future disasters.
