Uganda declares a day of national mourning for victims of a boating accident



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KAMPALA (Xinhua– The Ugandan government has declared a day of national mourning for dozens of people who died in the weekend boat crash on Lake Victoria.

Moses Ali, Ugandan Deputy Prime Minister, told parliament that Friday would be considered a day of mourning for those who perished after a ship capsized on Saturday near Mutima Island in Mukono Central District. .

"I address the government's condolences to the bereaved families and declare the November 30th day of mourning for the deceased," said Mr. Ali.

Ugandan lawmakers paid tribute to more than 30 people who drowned after the capsizing of their boat. Some people have criticized the government for not having verified the merits of the vessel.

According to the army, at least 35 bodies were found and 27 people rescued from the Saturday crash.

The boat reportedly transported more than 120 party-goers over the weekend, exceeding its capacity of 100 people from Port Bell Luzira in the capital Kampala to Mutima Island on Lake Victoria, according to a press report local.

According to Asuman Mugenyi, director of Ugandan police operations, police and army soldiers who resumed Tuesday operations to recover the wreckage of boats that capsized on Saturday near Mutima Island in Mukono District. have seen bodies still stuck under the boat.

"This morning, our divers saw one or two bodies trapped in the boat. We think more bodies are still under the ground, "said Mugyenyi.

Boat accidents on Ugandan lakes are common due to overload and high winds.

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