In a tragic incident on Lake Victoria in Uganda, at least 20 people have lost their lives and five others remain missing after an overloaded boat capsized. The vessel, which was carrying charcoal, fresh foods, and fish, met its unfortunate fate in the early morning hours of Wednesday.

The police identified overloading and bad weather as the main causes of the accident. Fortunately, nine passengers were rescued, but efforts to locate the missing individuals are still underway. Authorities have urged the public to prioritize safety by wearing life jackets and avoiding overloading their vessels when traveling on water. Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, is shared by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. With a surface area of 70,000 square kilometers (27,000 square miles), roughly the size of Ireland, the lake has witnessed several boat disasters over the years. These accidents are often attributed to overcrowding and adverse weather conditions.

This recent tragedy serves as a distressing reminder of the ongoing safety concerns and risks associated with water transportation on Lake Victoria. In November 2018, a pleasure boat sank during bad weather, claiming the lives of at least 32 people. At that time, Ugandan police reported that the vessel had been carrying over 90 passengers. The authorities must continue to prioritize safety measures and diligently address the issues surrounding overcrowding and poor weather conditions to prevent further loss of lives on the lake. It is crucial that proactive measures are taken to ensure the safety of individuals who rely on water transportation for their livelihoods or other essential needs.