KALANGALA. Two people are nursing fire burns after a fuel tank on a modern private boat belonging to Kalangala Woman Member of Parliament, Hellen Nakimuli, caught fire a few metres off the shore of Lutoboka Landing Site in Kalangala District.
The injured, Elvis Byamukama and Mpiima George William, were manning the vessel at the time of the incident on Saturday evening .
According to Ms Nakimuli, the team had set off from Entebbe at around 3:00 p.m. heading to Kalangala for a football match ,but as she returned fire gutted her boat.
“We reached safely and I attended the match, but as I was preparing to return, I saw my boat on fire. The seats and electrical wires were all destroyed,” she said.
Mr Byamukama explained that the fire broke out as they were refueling the boat.
“I think there were some loose connections that caused a spark, which ignited the fuel tank,” he said adding :“We acted quickly to throw the tank into the lake to stop the entire boat from catching fire.”
He further said the situation was contained with help from the captain of MV Vanessa another private boat that was at the shore, who provided a fire extinguisher.
“We managed to put out the flames, but in the process, I was injured on both arms while my colleague also sustained burns,” Mr. Byamukama said.
The two victims were first taken to a nearby clinic before being transferred to Entebbe for further treatment. Their condition is reported to be stable.
Kalangala District Police Commander, Kenneth Massette, confirmed the incident after rushing to the scene.
“We urge all boat operators to inspect their fuel systems and electrical wiring before setting off to prevent such accidents,” Mr. Massette said.
He also called on private boat owners to place fire extinguishers on their boat for such incidents.
Ms Nakimuli expressed gratitude that no lives were lost, though she noted that the vessel sustained significant damage.