Dozens still missing after Uganda river boat capsizes as search continues

Dozens of people are still missing after a canoe capsized on River Nguse in western Uganda, as search and recovery operations resumed, according to fresh reporting on May 1.

The boat overturned in Kagadi District on April 28. Early reporting said it was carrying an estimated 35 to 40 passengers. Reuters said one survivor was identified, while local and regional reports later put the number of people still missing at about 30.

By April 30, at least three bodies had been recovered, and Uganda Radio Network reported that the search was continuing. Africanews said the rescue operation resumed and that the missing count remained unresolved.

Police have said the exact number of people on board could not be confirmed because there was no passenger manifest. That has left the casualty figure uncertain as recovery teams continue working on the river.

Officials have cited overloading, night travel and the condition of the vessel as possible contributing factors. Those details are still under investigation.

For now, the main focus remains on the search itself, with authorities still trying to account for everyone who was on the canoe when it capsized.