Bodies of Two Ugandan fishermen Retrieved from Lake Albert
Eyewitness
The bodies of two Ugandan fishermen who died in Lake Albert waters after their fishing boat capsized have been retrieved. The deceased fishermen have been identified as Dhogu (40) and Muchiga (35), both fishermen attached to the Kamiina landing site in the Buhuka parish in Kyangwali sub-county in Kikuube district.
According to reports, they lost their lives on Tuesday morning around 2 am in the Lake Albert waters after their fishing boat was hit by strong winds, forcing it to capsize. Despite sounding an alarm, it was not possible for other fishermen who were on the lake to reach them in time to save their lives since they were a distance away.
Reginal Okumu Ngamita, the LCII Chairperson for Buhuka parish, told Uganda Radio Network that the bodies were retrieved on Wednesday afternoon from the lake by local fishermen. He added that the bodies have already been handed over to the relatives for burial arrangements.
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred on Lake Albert waters. In July 2021, two fishermen identified as AJaruva (35) and Richard (24) lost their lives in the waters of Lake Albert after their boat capsized due to strong winds. Similarly, in June 2021, two fishermen were killed in the same waters after their boat was hit by a hippopotamus.
The bodies of the fishermen were retrieved by fellow fishermen and given to their families for burial. It is important to note that fishing on Lake Albert is a significant economic activity for many people in the region. However, the lake can be unpredictable, and fishermen are often faced with life-threatening situations such as strong winds and attacks by wildlife. It is therefore essential for fishermen to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety while on the lake.
