Tragedy Strikes as 13 Ugandan Workers Drown Fleeing Poverty
On July 10th, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Uganda’s River Nile, resulting in the loss of nine lives. According to the Uganda Police Force’s official Twitter account, the incident occurred at approximately 4:00 a.m. and was reported by Okule Gabriel, a 19-year-old supervisor at the Indian palm oil farm in Maruzi ranch, Apac District.
The deceased individuals have been identified as Lotyang Peter (19), Lemukol Simon (18), Lotham Simon (30), Lomuria John (15), Kamur Nomha (21), Ngole Simon (21), Lonta Joseph (19), Lucumwa Simon (35), and Lokuwam Joseph (19).
Reports indicate that thirteen workers from the Maruzi palm oil project farm were traveling to Masindi District in search of employment on the night of July 9th, 2023, as they had not been paid by the management of the Indian farm. Upon arriving at Kungu landing site, they discovered that the ferry was not operational. Subsequently, they decided to board a small canoe to cross to the Masindi port landing site, which unfortunately capsized, resulting in the drowning of all thirteen individuals with only four survivors.
The survivors were identified as Muleka Bosco and Byekwaso Godfrey, who were riding the boat, along with two other passengers, Locire Simon and Lukwampe Peter. The Kungu Police Post was informed of the incident, and a case of drowning was registered. The survivors were transported to a nearby health center for treatment, while efforts are underway to locate and retrieve the bodies of the deceased from the water.
Statement on Drowning Incident at River Nile, Kungu Ferry
The territorial police in Apac are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding a tragic incident in which a group of individuals drowned in the River Nile on July 10th, 2023, around 4:00 a.m. The incident was… pic.twitter.com/nvrGmSqy7j
— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) July 11, 2023