Busowoko Falls closed after UNOC engineer drowns

Recreational activities at Busowoko Falls have been suspended after nn engineer with the Uganda National Oil Company(UNOC) has drowned at the fasll along River Nile.

Gershom Rwakasanga, UNOC’s Manager of Terminals, drowned in the river at Busowoko Falls in Jinja District on Saturday and his body was retrieved on Sunday.

The engineer had visited the falls with his daughter at around 4:00 p.m. on October 11, 2025, when he went missing in the water.

Local rescue teams, joined by police divers, were immediately dispatched to conduct a search and on Sunday, the body was recovered at 11:17 a.m. at Nabukosi, several kilometres downstream from Busowoko Falls.

The family later positively identified the body, which has since been transferred to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital Mortuary for postmortem examination.

UNOC confirmed the engineer’s death but said by the time of the incident, he was off duty and spending time with his family.

“It is with deep sorrow that we inform the public that the body of our colleague, Eng. Gershom Rwakasanga, Manager Terminals Development & Operations at the Jinja Storage Terminal, has been recovered from the River Nile following the tragic incident at Busowoko Falls,” the company said.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Gershom’s family, friends, and all who worked closely with him,” UNOC added.

UNOC described his death as a major blow to both the company and the country’s energy sector.

“Eng. Rwakasanga’s passing is a great loss not only to his family but also to the entire UNOC fraternity and the energy sector at large,” the company reiterated.

The company further informed that the details and arrangements will be communicated. “Our collective thoughts and prayers are with all affected by this tragic loss.”

Recreational Activities suspended

In the wake of the incident, the office of the Jinja Resident District Commissioner has suspended all recreational activities at the falls.

In a statement on Sunday, the RDC’s office noted that preliminary investigations have found that Busowoko Falls operates without an approved operational permit from NEMA.

“The site workers lack certification and authorization from the Marine Police to conduct rescue or water safety operations. The site does not enforce adequate safety measures; visitors are allowed to enter the water without life jackets or professional supervision,” the RDC’s office said.

In light of the findings, they consequently suspended all recreational activities until futher notice.

“All recreational activities, works, and operations at Busowoko Falls have been suspended with immediate effect, pending a comprehensive investigation,” the RDC’s office said.

It said that District Security Committee will review all recreational sites along the River Nile to ensure full compliance with safety and environmental standards while coordination with Police, NEMA, and Marine authorities is ongoing to establish accountability and strengthen safety enforcement.