A tragic boat accident on River Nguse in Kagadi District has left at least 23 people feared dead, with only eight survivors reported so far.
The incident happened on Tuesday night at about 8 p.m. in Kyaleni Cell, Pacwa Town Council, when a locally constructed canoe overturned while crossing the river.
The vessel, which was reportedly carrying more than 30 passengers along with sacks of charcoal, is believed to have been overloaded at the time.
The passengers were travelling from Kikuube District back to Kagadi when the boat capsized mid-journey, plunging occupants into the water.
Many of those on board are said to have been charcoal burners and farmers returning home after work across the district border.
Pacwa Town Council LCIII Chairperson Justus Businge confirmed the incident, noting that rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing. He said the eight survivors were quickly taken to nearby health centres for treatment.
Authorities have since deployed a team of police divers to aid in retrieving bodies from the river. Julius Hakiza, the Albertine regional police spokesperson, said investigations are underway to establish the exact cause of the accident.
By Wednesday, the identities of both the victims and survivors had not yet been officially confirmed, as search operations continued.
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