Maruzi MP appeals for government support to families of boat accident victims

19 August 2026, 8:58 pm

BY Dickens Aruca

Parliament- The Member of Parliament for Maruzi County in Apac District, Hon. Peter Obong Acuda, has called on the government to provide support to families who lost their loved ones in recent boat accidents.

Obong said two fatal boat accidents recorded within a period of two weeks, including the latest incident at Alworoceng Landing Site in Ibuje Sub-county, Apac District, have claimed at least ten lives.

The latest accident occurred last Sunday when a boat reportedly capsized at Alworoceng Landing Site, resulting in the death of four members of the same family.

Hon. Obong made the appeal during Wednesday’s parliamentary sitting presided over by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Max Oboth-Oboth.

He told Parliament that many people continue to lose their lives on the water while travelling to access essential services, including healthcare, education, and other social services.

The legislator said the bereaved families are facing significant emotional and financial challenges following the deaths and urged the government to provide them with relief and other necessary assistance.

Obong further called on the government to go beyond supporting bereaved families and strengthen safety measures at landing sites to prevent further loss of lives through water accidents.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth, backed the call and urged the government to provide all necessary support to families affected by the recent boat accidents.

The Speaker also asked the government to extend assistance to the family of three people who reportedly died after being struck by lightning in Kiryandongo District.

In response, the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, conveyed condolences to the families of the victims.

Dr. Kiyonga told Parliament that the government would return next week with a statement outlining the support and interventions it can provide to the affected families.

The calls from Parliament come amid growing concerns over water-related deaths, with renewed emphasis on government support for bereaved families and stronger safety measures to protect communities that rely on waterways to access essential services.