At least nine people have been killed and 21 others are missing as a boat carrying a football team and its supporters on Lake Albert in western Uganda capsized on Sunday.
Of the 45 people who were on
board, 15 people definitely survived, so it is feared that the death toll will
eventually reach 30.
The team, from the village of
Kaweibanda in the district of Buliisa, were to participate in a friendly match
for which they traveled to Runga in Hoima.
According to police commander
John Rutagira, too much weight from the 45 people on board caused the sinking
of the boat.
Some witnesses also said that
at the time of the accident the water was calm.
"They overloaded the ship.
Witnesses have told the police that the majority of passengers sat on one side
of the boat, which resulted in a loss of balance," added Rutagira.
Police and fishermen proceeded
to rescue the passengers who asked for help and so far nine bodies have been
recovered.
The
overcrowded vessel was carrying some 45 people. Police say the boat became
unbalanced when too many passengers moved to one side.
Nine bodies have been recovered, and 15 people have been
rescued, reports say.
Boat accidents are fairly common on Lake Albert and in other
parts of Africa.
Vessels are often packed with too many people and goods, and in
a poor state.
Police commander John Rutagira told AFP news agency that most
passengers were drunk by the time they embarked on the boat.
The group, from Buliisa District, was on its way to a Christmas
day football match in Hoima District, singing songs and blowing trumpets and
whistles.
Fishermen have helped authorities on the rescue operation.
In November, 10 people drowned in Lake Albert on the country's
western shore.
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