Lake Victoria tragedy: Scores dead, singer Iryn Namubiru and Prince David Wassajja rescued

Iryn Namubiru

Singer Iryn Namubiru and Prince David Wasajja, a brother to Buganda King Kabaka Ronald Mutebi were rescued after a boat, they together with other associates were sailing on capsized on Lake Victoria on Saturday afternoon leaving scores dead.

By Sunday morning, Police and UPDF marine units had retrieved 23 bodies from the water.

“It is a sad moment. UPDF and UPF marine units continue on a search and rescue mission on the waters of Lake Victoria for survivors and those perished in the boat cruise from KK beach,” said army spokesperson Brig Richard Karemire in a statement.

Among those rescued is city businessman John Fredrick Kiyimba commonly known as Freeman.

Prince David Wasajja

Our reporter Jessica Sabano who is at Mutima beach says UPDF and UPF marine units are retrieving more bodies.

“The area LCIII chairperson Patrick Ssajjabi says more bodies have been retrieved from the water this morning. Another man identified as Derrick Owekyo, a resident of Mpatta Island in Mukono District, died in attempt to rescue others, according to Mr Ssajjabi,” says Ms Sabano.

Another of the deceased has been identified as Sheila Mbonimpa, a mother of three and wife to former Kampala City Authority (KCCA) staff, David Ntege who died of heart attack in October last year. She was a sister to UBC TV deputy managing director, Mr Maurice Mugisha. The last post she made on her Facebook wall on October 14 is a photo of her two daughters.

“I just communicated with you yesterday (Saturday) morning after a very long time, little did I know that it was a reunion and farewell, It is so sad that you’ve left this life at such a young age. I pray that God receives your soul in his embrace. Rest in peace beautiful one,” said one Maryn Ny in a post to Mbonimpa’s Facebook wall.

More bodies are said to be trapped in the boat wreckage.

In September an overloaded ferry overturned in Lake Victoria, off the Tanzania coast, killing over 200 people.