Families of two fishermen are demanding government compensation after a tragic incident on Lake Victoria. A Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) boat capsized on January 27 while transporting 15 arrested fishermen near the shore. Oswanu Matia, 24, from Ndaiga “A” village, and Moses Kagoma Mpala, 30, from Nakilimira C, drowned in the accident.

Survivor and brother to one of the deceased, Dan Igumba, attributed the capsize to overloading as the boat approached the land. “The boat capsized due to overloading. Some of us clung to it, while those who could swim made it to shore. Others received rescue from officers,” Igumba explained. The government had detained the fishermen for using illegal fishing gear to protect fish stocks.

The Call for State Accountability

The families of Matia and Kagoma are insisting on compensation. They argue that the government must take responsibility since the deaths occurred in custody. Matia leaves behind a pregnant widow and one child. Kagoma is survived by a widow and five children. Ayubu Mukunya Isoba, Local Council III Chairperson of Kityerera, supported the families’ demands. “The government should compensate these families, especially the young children left behind,” Mukunya urged.

Stephen Taremwa, FPU Commander for the Mayuge-Jinja sector, denied claims of overloading. “Our boats can carry up to 30 people, and we did not exceed this capacity,” he stated. He clarified that the incident resulted in only two fatalities.

Taremwa advised fishermen to use legal fishing methods and remain calm when security forces approach. He warned that panic could lead to more accidents. As investigations proceed, the grieving families await a government response, hoping for financial support to relieve their sudden economic burdens.