Summary:
- The latest victim, Jasper Sabiti, aged 50 and a resident of Rutozu Village, Mulambo Parish in Butanda Sub County, Kabale District, became the fourth casualty in this string of drownings’.
KABALE: A total of four people have reportedly drowned in Lake Bunyonyi in southwestern Uganda in Kabale District in a single week.
The latest victim, Jasper Sabiti, aged 50 and a resident of Rutozu Village, Mulambo Parish in Butanda Sub County, Kabale District, became the fourth casualty in this string of drownings’. According to Ronald Kamoga, the Officer in charge of the Marine Unit at Lake Bunyonyi, Jasper met his demise on Wednesday around 5:00 PM. He was crossing the lake from Bugo Village, Musemba Parish, Rubaya Sub County to Butanda Sub County when the unfortunate incident occurred.
Following an extensive search effort, Sabiti’s body was recovered from the depths of the lake yesterday evening and was subsequently transported home for a decent burial.
This tragic event comes on the heels of another unfortunate incident that claimed the lives of Naturinda Racheal, Kesande Lehonelia, and five-month-old Grant last Saturday. The trio met their untimely end when the dugout canoe they were aboard capsized amidst stormy weather. Despite efforts to rescue them, they succumbed to the harsh elements brought about by heavy rains, fierce winds, and hailstorms that persisted for nearly five hours.
Their remains were laid to rest in their respective ancestral homes. Elly Maate, the Police spokesperson for the Kigezi region, issued a stern warning in light of these tragedies, urging the public to exercise utmost caution and adhere to water safety measures when traversing the lake.
CUE IN MAATE….ON THE MATTER…..RR/ENG//
Lake Bunyonyi, spanning an estimated 900 meters (3000 feet) in depth, stands as Africa’s second-deepest lake, boasting 29 picturesque islands.
