By Waters Atai,
APAC
At least nine people in Apac district have been confirmed dead after a canoe they were traveling in capsized in River Nile on Monday.
The deceased are Lotyang Peter (19), Lemukol Simon (18), Lotham Simon (30) and Lomuria John (15).
Others include Kamur Nomha (21), Ngole Simon (21), Lonta Joseph (19), Lucumwa Simon (35) and Lokuwam Joseph (19)
It is alleged that the deceased, all employees at the Indian palm oil farm in Mazrui ranch, Apac district together with four other colleagues on July 9 at night embarked on a journey to seek for greener pastures in Masindi after they had gone months without any payments by the former employer – Indian Palm Oil Farm.
Unfortunately, when they reached at Kungu landing site, they found when the ferry had mechanical problems and opted to board a small canoe at the site to cross to Masindi port landing site. The canoe tragically capsized killing nine people on the spot while four survived.
SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga region police spokesperson confirmed to the reports and identified the survivors as Muleka Bosco and Byekwaso Godfrey, who were riding the boat, along with two other passengers, Locire Simon and Lukwampe Peter.
A case of drowning was reported by Okule Gabriel, a 19-year-old supervisor, working at the Indian palm oil farm in Maruzi ranch, Apac District.
“The Kungu Police Post was notified, and a case of drowning was registered. The survivors were transported to a nearby health center for treatment, while efforts are underway to locate and retrieve the bodies of the deceased from the water,” SP Okema said
He urged workers to report cases of delayed wages or salaries, abuse or violation of their rights to labour offices across the country.
“We strongly urge workers to approach the labor officers stationed in all District Local Government offices across the country in case of any challenges at their workplaces, before making any drastic decisions,” he urged.
