Residents of the Kalangala district are calling on the Uganda Police to set up marine search and rescue centers to help respond to emergencies on the water.
This district, which is made up of 64 habitable islands scattered across Lake Victoria, remains vulnerable to water accidents due to the use of basic, often unsafe water vessels for transportation.
Ramathan Kawere, a resident of Bugala Main Island in Bujumba sub-county, expressed deep concern over the high risks faced by those traveling on the lake.Many islands are far apart, and most people rely on wooden boats that are prone to capsizing.
He noted that the district lacks efficient rescue services, putting travelers at great risk in case of an accident.Kawere pointed to a tragic incident that occurred recently, where five people drowned after a cargo boat capsized between Nakatiba and Kananasi islands.
He believes the victims could have been saved if there had been a rescue center nearby.According to Kawere, a marine search and rescue center, equipped with communication devices, would coordinate swift responses to water accidents and save lives.
Philemon Mwesigwa, a fisherman from Lujjabwa Island in Kyamuswa County, echoed these concerns, highlighting the lack of adequate phone network coverage in some areas, which makes it difficult to call for help in emergencies.
He urged the police to identify high-risk areas and set up rescue centers to save lives.Mwesigwa noted that at least 20 drownings have been recorded in the last eight months, many of which could have been prevented if proper rescue facilities were in place.
Ronald Ntege, a resident of Lujjabwa Island, added that these centers would not only improve community response but also support the efforts of the marine police, who currently only respond after spotting wreckage or floating debris from missing boats.
Kenneth Massette, the Kalangala District Police Commander, acknowledged the importance of rescue centers and said that the police have raised this issue with higher authorities.However, he also pointed out that some accidents are caused by boat users who ignore safety warnings, such as overloading boats and traveling in dangerous conditions at night.
Despite these challenges, the community continues to advocate for marine rescue centers, hoping to reduce the number of fatalities on Lake Victoria.
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