The deceased has been identified as Ogwal Bruno, 18; a fisherman and resident of Awelober village, Kikondo parish, Namasale sub-county, Amolatar district.
He had been staying with his grandparents in the same area but originates from Abei village, Apanylongo parish, Agali sub-county in Lira district.
Preliminary findings by police in the North Kyoga region indicate that on April 13 at around 4pm, the deceased, together with Okwara Samuel, 23, a fisherman and resident of Ober Okaa village went fishing on Lake Kyoga.
They were using illegal fishing gear, specifically a small boat. At about 9 pm, SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, PRO of the North Kyoga region, said that strong winds developed on the lake, causing water to splash into the boat, which subsequently started sinking.
In an attempt to save themselves, both men jumped into the water and struggled to swim to safety. However, the deceased failed to make it out and drowned, while the survivor managed to escape.
SP Okema added that the territorial police at Namasale sub-county registered a case of drowning, visited the scene of the crime, and commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Efforts to recover the body are still ongoing, and police are awaiting the arrival of the deceased’s relatives from Lira district to record formal statements and assist in further management of the case,” the PRO added on Tuesday.
