At least 30 people are feared dead after a passenger canoe on which they were travelling capsized in River Ngusi in Kyaleni village, Pachwa Town Council  in Kagadi district.

Julius Hakiza, the Albertine Region Police spokesperson said the incident happened on Tuesday at around 8:30pm.

“….. the canoe was carrying an estimated 35–40 passengers .Police responded immediately and one survivor has been identified as Byaruhanga Tumuhaise (27), a resident of Kyaleni,” Hakiza said.

He however noted that the exact number of missing persons is yet to be confirmed since the canoe didn’t have passenger manifest.

According to Hakiza, Marine Police have started search and rescue operations as investigations into the circumstances leading to the accident also continue.

“ Possible factors include overloading, night travel, and the condition of the vessel,” he said, noting that investigations will tell what exactly caused the accident.

He urged relatives of individuals who may have been aboard the canoe to report to Kagadi Central Police Station to assist with identification and accountability efforts.