In a tragic incident, a passenger boat traveling from Lujaaba Island to Bukakata in Masaka District capsized at night, claiming the lives of several people. Out of all the passengers aboard, only three people survived the disaster. Six bodies have been identified so far, with many more passengers feared dead.
Local MP, Kabuusu, expressed deep concern over the lack of immediate government support in rescue and recovery efforts, pointing out a recurring issue in the region. “It is a known custom among the fishing community that when boats capsize, after the third day, the search for bodies begins. However, the Uganda Police and relevant authorities have often left these efforts to the locals, who lack the necessary resources,” Kabuusu said. He emphasized that the situation puts undue pressure on local leaders, who are frequently blamed when search operations fall short.
Kabuusu appealed to the government, urging Uganda Police to take charge and assist the community in locating and recovering the bodies. “The government of Uganda should help in the search for these bodies. Too often, it has been left to the people, and in most cases, the leaders are blamed,” he noted, stressing the need for state agencies to play a more active role in such tragedies.
Beyond the immediate crisis, the MP also highlighted the long-standing issue of inadequate transport infrastructure in his constituency. Despite being in office for two terms, representing the community for 10 years, Kabuusu expressed frustration over the government’s inaction regarding the provision of safe water transport for his constituents.
“The Ministry of Works should come up with a plan. My constituency doesn’t have a ship, ferry, or any government facility for transport. I have been the MP for two terms and, in a span of 10 years, I haven’t persuaded the government to buy a ferry for my people,” Kabuusu stated. He urged the government to prioritize investment in water transport in the region to prevent future tragedies.
Kabuusu expressed hope that after the upcoming elections, he wouldn’t need to plead for the procurement of a ferry for his people. “At least after the next elections, I shouldn’t have to plead with the government to buy a ferry,” he remarked.
The incident highlights the broader issues of safety on Uganda’s waterways, particularly in rural areas where there is limited access to reliable transportation options. Many communities in the fishing regions rely on small, often overcrowded boats for their livelihoods, putting them at constant risk of accidents. The absence of government-owned vessels, such as ferries, further exacerbates the problem.
Kabuusu’s call for a comprehensive plan from the Ministry of Works and an immediate government-led search and rescue mission underscores the urgency of addressing both short-term and long-term solutions to protect lives in these vulnerable communities.