A tragic incident unfolded on Lake Bunyonyi last Saturday, claiming the lives of two women and an infant when the boat they were traveling in capsized during a hailstorm.
Racheal Naturinda, along with her 5-month-old baby named Grant, and Lehonelia Kesande drowned as a result of the accident. Naturinda’s body was recovered on Monday, adding to the sorrow of the community.
According to witnesses, the boat, carrying five occupants, was caught in a severe hailstorm and battered by strong winds around 3pm. Steven Kabarebe, a witness, recounted hearing distress calls from the lake and witnessing the tragic capsizing of the canoe.
Efforts for rescue were immediate but futile. Locals, alongside the Police Marine Unit, launched a search operation on Sunday, initially hoping to find survivors but tragically confirming the loss of three lives.
Elidad Kalanzi, the Murandi Village chairman, received the distressing news of the drowning incident, emphasizing the urgency of finding shelter during the rainstorm. He confirmed the heartbreaking toll of the accident, with two women and an infant losing their lives.
Lake Bunyonyi, renowned for its beauty, holds significance not only for Ugandans but for the nation as a whole. However, it has witnessed recurrent tragedies, highlighting the need for safety measures such as the provision of life jackets and engine boats.
George Asiimwe, a local resident, urged the government to intervene by providing life jackets for families and enhancing transportation safety on the lake, which is vital for daily activities and connectivity within the community.
As the search continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the unpredictable waters of Lake Bunyonyi, where cases of drowning, unfortunately, remain common.
