The Uganda Meteorological Authority has issued a stark warning to the public as all four zones of Lake Victoria have been deemed unsafe this morning due to strong winds and high waves. Despite the warnings, a fisherman was rescued by friends after venturing into the hazardous waters earlier this week. Authorities have expressed their gratitude for the successful rescue but reiterated the critical importance of heeding safety advisories.

Earlier this week, the government cautioned small aircraft and small boat operators to delay their activities in response to the intensifying winds over Lake Victoria. Lilian Nkwenge, spokesperson for the Uganda Meteorological Authority, highlighted that these perilous conditions have been persisting since Sunday.

“The winds are particularly dangerous for small aircraft flying over the lake and small boats navigating its waters,” Nkwenge stated during the weekly security briefing at the Uganda Police Headquarters in Naguru on Monday. She identified Sese, Koome, Entebbe, and Kyotera as the most dangerous areas affected by the unstable conditions of the lake.

Nkwenge emphasized, “The lake has been unstable since Sunday night, and unfortunately, strong waves have continued this morning. That is why we are urging people to wait.” She also noted that while Lake Victoria is typically unsafe during June and July, the turbulence has been unusually severe this year.

Fishermen, who typically embark on their activities early in the morning and evening, and tourists visiting the lake have been particularly urged to exercise caution. The authorities have convened meetings with residents to discuss the matter and are advocating for the consistent use of life jackets to enhance safety.

“I urge all travelers and people who use the lake to prioritize their lives,” Nkwenge said, adding that smaller boats, known locally as Pala, have been banned from the lake until conditions improve.

The history of fatalities on Lake Victoria underscores the gravity of the current warnings. In August of last year, at least 20 people perished after an overloaded boat capsized. In November 2018, a tragic incident saw at least 32 people lose their lives when a pleasure boat sank during bad weather, with over 90 revellers onboard. That same year in September, hundreds died when the MV Nyerere passenger ferry sank on the Tanzanian side of the lake.

As the strong winds and waves persist, the Uganda Meteorological Authority continues to monitor the situation closely and urges the public to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel on Lake Victoria during these hazardous conditions.