22-year-old Emmanuel Wangoda tragically lost his life while a joint team of first responders and marine police managed to rescue eight band members including Sharon Mujuzi, Dennis Ntambi, David Matovu, Grace Nayiga, Josh Muwanguzi, Jill Mukaya, Derrick Maganda, and an individual identified only as Manitoba.
Suleiman Kirungi, head of the marine police said that the accident occurred at around 2100hrs as the band was returning from a performance at Divine Beach in Mukono district.
“Most of those rescued owe their lives to the quick actions of other revellers at Ggaba Beach House, who heard their cries for help and rushed to assist. The police later joined the rescue operation,” said police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke.
In the wake of the tragedy, police have issued a warning urging the public to exercise greater caution when travelling on water. Uganda’s lakes, while vital for transport and livelihoods, remain perilous.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, Uganda ranks among the nations with the highest drowning rates globally. Lakeside fishing communities experience a staggering 502 drowning deaths per 100,000 people annually. Alarmingly, over 90 per cent of reported drowning incidents result in fatalities, with many cases going unreported.
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