By KT Reporter
The Jinja District leadership has temporarily closed Busowoko Resort Beach, a popular leisure destination in Butagaya Sub-County, following the tragic drowning of a Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) Engineer, Gershom Rwakasanga.
Busowoko Resort Beach, located along one of the most scenic stretches of the River Nile, has in recent years gained fame for its natural water massages, kayaking, and adventure tourism. But authorities say the resort failed to institute the standard safety measures required for such water-based recreational facilities.
Rwakasanga had reportedly gone out for a family day at the resort on Saturday evening when he was swept away by the fast-flowing waters of the River Nile. According to witnesses, rescue efforts were launched immediately, but the engineer could not be found alive.
After hours of intense searching, a joint team of local divers and marine police officers retrieved his body, which had become wedged between sharp rocks deep within the riverbed. His remains were later taken to the Jinja Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination before being handed over to his family for burial.
Speaking after the recovery, Asuman Musobya, one of the local divers, described the search as gruelling due to the treacherous terrain beneath the water. He added that he was found intact but trapped between rocks, and when his body was brought ashore, police searched his pockets and recovered 90,000 Shillings, 50 US Dollars, ATM cards, Mobile Phones and other personal documents.
Musobya revealed that after the retrieval, they conducted traditional cleansing rituals, a practice rooted in local belief that the River Nile is guarded by powerful spiritual forces. “The family gave us two goats and two cocks, which we sacrificed at the site,” he explained. “We believe this appeases the spirits of the river, ensuring such tragedies do not happen again.”
However, the district security team frowned upon the rituals, emphasising that scientific safety standards, not spiritual appeasement, must take precedence at public recreational sites.
The Jinja District LCV Chairperson, Moses Batwala, said the closure followed an inspection that revealed glaring safety gaps at the resort. He noted that there were no trained divers or safety marshals stationed at the site, yet they are essential personnel who should command and coordinate rescue operations during emergencies.
Batwala also cited the rickety wooden bridge leading to Busowoko’s famous water massage points as a major risk factor for accidents. He further disclosed that preliminary inquiries had uncovered previous unreported drowning cases at the same location.
“We have reason to believe that some incidents were quietly handled without official reporting,” he alleged, adding that Rwakasanga’s case gained attention only because he was a prominent individual, and this time it could not be swept under the carpet.
Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson, James Mubi, confirmed that investigations are ongoing. He said police are working with relevant agencies to assess and enforce safety standards before the resort is cleared to reopen.
In response, Abdullah Suuta, the General Manager of Busowoko Resort Beach, said Rwakasanga was one of their loyal customers and a regular visitor since he relocated to Jinja. Suuta added that the resort is cooperating with the authorities and reaffirmed its commitment to implementing all recommended safety measures.
“We normally deploy about 20 divers daily and engage architects and safety experts to periodically assess high-risk points along the river,” he explained. “We are committed to making Busowoko a safe and enjoyable space for all visitors.”
But as investigations continue, district leaders have vowed to ensure that Busowoko and other similar facilities meet the required safety standards before welcoming visitors back to their waters.
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