Ugandan nationals trapped in Lake Victoria rescued

The four Ugandan nationals who were trapped by hyacinth in the middle of Lake Victoria near Wagusu Beach in Bondo sub-county have finally been rescued.

Anasi Isabilie (48), Christopher Masariwa (27), Butwala Kulaira (25), and Aloka Goddy (28) were rescued by a team of local fishermen who volunteered to cut through the hyacinth using pangas to rescue them hundreds of meters from the lakeshore.

According to the chief of Central Sakwa Location Mr Julius Nyerere, the Ugandan nationals who hail from Bonja Beach Emunyege District in Uganda were rescued and taken to Wagusu beach at around 9.30 am.

The four Ugandan nationals were trapped by water hyacinth on Sunday afternoon while on their way to Wagusu beach where they have been trading in bananas and sugarcane before being overwhelmed with the water hyacinth.

The chairman stated that their attempts to rescue the Ugandan nationals using engine bats failed since the weed requires more powerful speed engine boats that can cut through it.

The weed has adversely affected fishing activities not only at Wagusu Beach but also in other beaches including Uyawi, Liunda, Kamumbo, Banga and Ndeda Oyamo which have all been marooned.

Chief Nyerere stated that they are still at the beach and are yet to be taken for a medical check-up.