By Frank Kamuntu
On a fateful Saturday, Lake Bunyonyi witnessed a heartbreaking incident when a boat carrying passengers capsized. Among the victims were two women and an infant.
Racheal Naturinda and her 5-month-old baby, known as Grant, lost their lives after the boat was struck by a sudden hailstorm. The impact caused the vessel to overturn, plunging them into the water.
Naturinda’s body was recovered on Monday, adding to the somber toll of the tragedy.
The boat, which had five occupants, battled fierce hailstorms and powerful winds around 3:00 PM. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene as the boat tossed violently on the lake’s surface.
Steven Kabarebe, who was nearby, heard cries for help and witnessed the canoe’s tragic capsize. Despite his swift efforts to secure another canoe for rescue, fate had already sealed the victims’ fate.
Local residents in Kabale District rallied alongside the Police Marine Unit on Sunday, desperately searching for the bodies. Their initial hope was to find at least one survivor amidst the turmoil.
Elidad Kalanzi, chairman of Murandi Village, received a distressing phone call around 4:30 PM. The news confirmed that three out of the five passengers had drowned in their attempt to seek shelter from the rain.
Crossing Lake Bunyonyi is not merely a journey; it’s a matter of life and death, George Asiimwe, a concerned resident, appeals to the government for a simple yet crucial provision of life jackets for families.
Recent tragedies have highlighted the urgent need for preventive measures such as life jackets and engine boats.
Lake Bunyonyi, nestled between Kisoro and Kabale districts, boasts 29 picturesque islands. Its serene beauty, surrounded by mountains and Virunga volcanoes, captivates both locals and visitors alike. From the infamous Akampene Island (known as the “Punishment Island”) to Bwana, Kyahugye, and Njuyeera, each island has its unique story and charm.
