How the Ugandan boat sank to L. Victoria

"We left KK Beach [in Ggaba]. Originally, the departure time was 12 o'clock, but for unknown reasons, we were delayed until 17 o'clock.

People used this time to drink [alcohol]. When the boat finally arrived, it was big and could not reach the coast.

We used canoes instead. Before we could go far, the boat began to lose balance.

We ignored this and thought it was normal because we were told in the beginning that the waves would affect its balance.

As we continued to move forward, we suddenly realized that water was entering the boat. A helmsman told us to sit side by side to balance the boat.

Now we were in the middle of the lake and the waves were stronger. Music systems have begun to fall.

At that moment, we all went to the top of the boat because one side had already been submerged.

The upper part also started to sink and we suddenly saw our friends throwing themselves in the water one after the other.

We were close to Mutima Country Haven Beach.

Some of those present understood that something was wrong and started sending canoes to help.

Those who survived kept the edge of the boat until the arrival of the rescue team.

We had life jackets but some people did not wear them. Some said that having jackets would spoil their sense of style when taking photos for social media.

Some were very drunk and could not listen to instructions to wear lifejackets.

I survived by the mercy of God because I did not know how to swim.

We were going to have some fun on the island but personally I was going to provide drinks as I have always done.

Everything was shrouded in mystery.

First, the boat arrived at 5 pm, but it had to be there at noon.

As soon as we started the trip, the engine continued to run.

We would arrive at some point and the engine would stop working completely, then the boat would float.

The people in charge repaired it and then we continued the journey with the badurance that the boat was going well and that the waves were a problem.

But when we reached the middle of the lake, the waves intensified and we could see that the boat was losing its balance, but the management badured us that we would reach safely.

Soon, the water started to enter the boat, which scared people.

Many ran to the upper deck. The water rose, the speakers fell into the water, and the generator also fell.

The boat was left in the water, the engine could not work anymore. We were more than 100 people on board.

It is at this moment that the boat began to capsize.

Even good swimmers have struggled to get out of the trap. What has helped me, is the lifejacket. Many did not have one.

I fought to get out and even hurt my eyes trying to find a way out.

The boat was too slippery and I found it difficult to hold it. Fortunately in my struggles, I stumbled upon a way out and climbed the top of the boat.

I started calling for help. Those from Mutima Beach heard our screams and came to our rescue.

The first rescue canoe that came also capsized when it was overwhelmed by the number of people [seeking to enter it].

Only one person survived in this boat. Even the rescue team is dead.

As I floated, other boats came in and saved me.

At Mutima Beach, we were told that the boat had not been running for three weeks.

Even the delay was caused by the repairs.

Prince Wasajja survived because he had a lifejacket and, when the rescue team arrived, he was easily recognized.

As for Irene Namubiru (local singer), I think she felt the danger very early, asked for a lifejacket and, when the boat started sinking, she jumped into the water and started to swim. " .

Stories of Paul Tajuba and Shamila Nsereko as compiled by Stephen Otage.