Engineer Gershom Rwakasanga, a senior official at the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), drowned at Busowoko Falls (River Nile) in Jinja while spending time with his daughter.
Rwakasanga, who served as Manager for Terminals Development and Operations at the Jinja Storage Terminal, is believed to have slipped into the water while taking photographs near the scenic but treacherous rapids. The incident occurred between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on October 11, according to eyewitnesses.
“He went close to the rocks to capture some pictures when he suddenly lost balance and fell into the strong current,” an eyewitness recounted. “His daughter screamed for help, but he was swept away almost instantly.”
A joint search operation involving police, local divers, and residents continued late into the night and resumed the next morning. The body was later recovered by sand miners downstream on Sunday.
Ashraf Kitamilike, a tour guide at Busowoko Beach, described Rwakasanga as a regular visitor known for his warm and friendly demeanour. “He often came here with friends to unwind, but this time he was with his daughter. It’s deeply heartbreaking,” he said.
In a statement released on Sunday morning, UNOC confirmed the recovery of the engineer’s body, describing his death as “a devastating loss to the company and to Uganda’s energy sector.”
“It is with deep sorrow that we inform the public of the passing of our colleague, Eng. Gershom Rwakasanga,” the statement read. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who worked closely with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragic loss.”
Abudala Suuta, Managing Director of Busowoko Beach, told journalists that this was the first fatality recorded at the popular tourist site. He maintained that safety measures were in place, including clear warning signs and restricted zones.
“There are designated viewing points and restricted areas,” Suuta said. “Unfortunately, many visitors underestimate the power of the current. The water may appear calm, but it’s extremely forceful beneath the surface.”
Rwakasanga’s death adds to the rising number of drowning incidents across Uganda. The Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2023 recorded 138 drowning cases and the recovery of 243 bodies from water bodies nationwide.
Busowoko Falls, located along the Nile in Butagaya Sub-county, Jinja District, has in recent years become a major attraction for adventure seekers engaging in kayaking, tubing, water massage, and camping.
