Police in Kagadi District are responding to a tragic incident in which a canoe carrying an estimated 35–40 passengers capsized on River Nguse at Kyaleni Village in Pachwa Town Council on April 28, 2026, at about 8:30pm.
According to police, officers responded swiftly to the scene, and one survivor has so far been identified as Byaruhanga Tumuhaise, 27, a resident of Kyaleni Village.
The exact number of missing persons remains unclear due to the absence of a passenger manifest, complicating efforts to establish how many people were on board at the time of the حادث.
Marine Police have since launched an intensive search and rescue operation, while investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing. Preliminary findings suggest that overloading, night travel, and the condition of the vessel could have contributed to the disaster.
“We urge relatives of anyone who may have been on the canoe to report to Kagadi Central Police Station as search and rescue efforts continue,” said SP Hakiiza Julius, the Albertine Region Police spokesperson.
Authorities say more details will be provided as rescue teams continue their work.
