news 2 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
80-Year-Old Elina Kabucurera Survives River Nguse Boat Capsizing Amid Scores Missing
An 80-year-old woman from Kabale District has shared her dramatic escape from a boat accident on River Nguse that claimed several lives, with 11 survivors reported and many still unaccounted for. Eight bodies have been recovered so far, as rescue efforts continue. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/river-nguse-boat-accident-80-year-old-woman-among-survivors-scores-still-missing-5444176
Elina Kabucurera, an 80-year-old resident of Kyareeni Cell in Kagadi District, miraculously survived when a boat carrying over 35 passengers capsized on River Nguse on April 28, 2026. The incident occurred around 8pm after chaos erupted from drunk passengers disrupting the vessel, leading to a confrontation with the sailor and eventual imbalance.
Kabucurera recounted how about 10 people clung to her in the water, knowing she could swim from her childhood days near Lake Bunyonyi. She fought them off, shed her heavy soaked clothes, and swam for roughly 45 minutes to reach papyrus plants on the riverbank, managing her breathing by holding it for up to 10 minutes at a time. She also rescued a struggling boy along the way.
Now widowed and caring for orphaned grandchildren, Kabucurera appeals for government support to educate her late children’s kids. Other survivors like Byaruhanga Tumuhaise blamed overcrowding and the sailor’s decision to have passengers stand for a late load, while Kazibwe Ismail pointed to intoxicated passengers ignoring instructions.
Out of the passengers, 11 have been confirmed alive, eight bodies retrieved, and scores remain missing due to no passenger manifest, according to police. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja delivered President Museveni’s condolences and Shs150 million for burial expenses on May 1.