Police has confirmed the death of about 20 people, after a cargo boat capsized on Lake Victoria in the wee hours of Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

According to the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, the boat that had 34 people was sailing from Lwanabatya and Ntuuwa Landing Sites in Kalangala district, heading to Katabi Town Council in Wakiso district.

“The boat capsized because it was overloaded but also the weather was not conducive. It was carrying bags of charcoal, fresh foods and silver fish at the time of the accident,” Onyango said.

Onyango said that so far, nine people have been rescued, and a team of Police Marines, UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit and the local community on the waters are trying to locate the missing people.

Fishermen on site said that the boat was reportedly hit by strong winds near Nsazi Island on Lake Victoria in Mukono District.