The Ugandan government has issued a warning advising small aircraft and small boats to postpone their activities on Lake Victoria due to a recent increase in strong winds. Lilian Nkwenge, spokesperson for the Uganda Meteorological Authority, reported that these hazardous weather conditions began on Sunday and have persisted since then.
Nkwenge emphasized the dangers posed by these strong winds and waves, particularly to small aircraft flying over the lake and to small boats navigating its waters. Speaking at the weekly security briefing held at Uganda Police Headquarters in Naguru on Monday, she highlighted areas such as Sese, Koome, Entebbe, and Kyotera as particularly vulnerable to these conditions.
“The lake has been experiencing instability since Sunday night, and unfortunately, strong waves have continued into Monday morning. This is why we are urging people to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary risks,” Nkwenge stated.
While traditionally, Lake Victoria is considered unsafe for small watercraft during the months of June and July, Nkwenge noted that the turbulence observed this year has been notably stronger than usual. She advised fishermen, tourists, and others who frequent the lake for various activities to seek updated information from authorities before venturing out.
Samuel Kajubi, the assistant resident district commissioner for Kalangala district, confirmed that local authorities have been actively addressing the situation. He reported conducting meetings with residents to raise awareness and stressed the importance of using life jackets for safety.
“I urge all travelers and lake users to prioritize their safety. We have instructed smaller boats, locally known as Pala, to refrain from venturing onto the lake during these hazardous conditions,” Kajubi emphasized.
Tragically, incidents of fatalities on Lake Victoria due to adverse weather conditions are not uncommon. In August of the previous year, for instance, at least 20 people lost their lives when an overloaded boat capsized. Similarly, in November 2018, 32 individuals perished after a pleasure boat sank during severe weather conditions, with reports indicating it carried more than 90 revelers.
In another devastating incident in September of the same year, hundreds lost their lives when the MV Nyerere passenger ferry sank on the Tanzanian side of Lake Victoria. These incidents underscore the critical importance of adhering to safety advisories during adverse weather conditions on the lake.
The Ugandan authorities say they are continuing to monitor the situation closely and urge all stakeholders to prioritize safety above all else when considering activities on Lake Victoria during this period of heightened risk.
