An 18-year-old fisherman drowned in Lake Kyoga late Sunday night after strong winds swamped his boat, police have confirmed. The body of Ogwal Bruno has not yet been recovered, and search efforts are ongoing.
The incident happened at about 9:00 PM on April 13, 2026, at Ober Okaa Village, Bangladesh Parish, Namasale Sub-county in Amolatar District. It was reported the next morning at 8:42 AM by Opio Charles, 58, a resident of Awelober Village.
According to SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, Police Spokesperson for North Kyoga Region, Bruno had gone fishing with Okwara Samuel, 23, in a small, non-standard boat considered illegal fishing gear.
“At about 2100 hours, strong winds developed on the lake, causing water to splash into the boat, which subsequently started sinking,” Okema said. “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.”
Preliminary findings show the pair set out at about 4:00 PM Sunday. Okwara, a resident of Ober Okaa Village, survived and is assisting police with inquiries.
Bruno lived with his grandparents in Awelober Village, Kikondo Parish, but hailed from Abei Village, Apanylongo Parish, Agali Sub-county in Lira District. Police are awaiting his relatives from Lira to record formal statements.
Namasale Sub-county police have registered a case of drowning, visited the scene, and opened full investigations. As of Tuesday evening, efforts to recover the teenager’s body were still active.
Authorities have cautioned local fishermen against using unseaworthy vessels and illegal gear, especially as the rainy season intensifies winds on inland lakes. The survivor is reportedly receiving counseling as he cooperates with the probe.
