Boat users in Obongi district have adhered to the directive of the Obongi District Security Committee to dock all boats that do not have life jackets.
The boats were docked following intervention by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) after a confrontation between police and boat users who attempted to operate the boats without life jackets.
The RDC emphasized to the boat users the importance of life jackets, highlighting their role in protecting users in case of accidents.
Furthermore, he directed that all boats and operators should be registered to address issues of insecurity and smuggling, which have been on the rise.
The RDC advised boat users to utilize the Obongi ferry until they acquire life jackets.
The Obongi District Security Committee recently prohibited the use of boats without life jackets on the River Nile, citing an increase in deaths resulting from boat capsizing. According to RDC Obongi, Samuel Mpimbasa Hashaka, the district security committee made this decision during a meeting held at the district headquarters to safeguard the lives of fishermen and boat users. The committee also instructed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Obongi to register all boats operating in the district. Additionally, the DAC (District Administrative Coordinator) has intensified security measures along the River Nile to address smuggling and the use of unauthorized boats.
Hasaka confirmed these developments in an interview with The Ankole Times newspaper on Saturday afternoon.
He disclosed that the ban and registration requirements apply to both fishermen and boat users operating on the River Nile.
The RDC noted that cases of deaths resulting from boat capsizing are reported weekly.
