James Eriku
30 October 2008
Adjumani — At least two people drowned on Tuesday in River Tete at the Uganda-Sudan border in Dzaipi Sub-county, Adjumani District and several others are reported missing after a boat they were sailing in capsized.
Eye witnesses said the ill fated boat capsized as it tried to dock at the shores due to a storm. The over loaded boat was reportedly ferrying mainly businessmen and women from Nimule town in South Sudan who were crossing to Adjumani District.
The Dzaipi Sub-county Chairman, Mr Festo Loka, confirmed the incidence to Daily Monitor yesterday saying the river had burst its banks as a result of heavy rains from its source in Amuru District. He said efforts were being made by residents to help find the bodies of the dead. The fate of the other passengers remained uncertain by press time.
Mr Loka said the accident could have happened due to over loading and poor visibility due to darkness. The District Police Commander, Mr Charles Ssebambulide, identified the dead as Omar Ochaya, a businessman in Pakelle Township and Patrick Owole.
Mr Ssebambulide said the volunteers retrieved the body of Ochaya from the waters yesterday morning that of Owole is still missing as the police and residents continue the search. He blamed the operator of the boat for not heeding advice against carrying excess passengers. "The boat can carry only four passengers including the captain but they were up to eight at the time of the accident when it was actually coming to 7; 00 PM, there was no way they could avoid it," he said.
Mr Ssebambulide said since the incident police have intensified operations along river banks to check on those who violate marine traffic regulations. In another development, residents are threatening to hold a peaceful demonstration over the government's continued failure to construct a bridge at an entry point to Nimule.
East Moyo County MP Santos Erwaga Mulago had initiated the bridge construction project at the site three years ago but the works have since stalled due to lack of government contribution.
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