đź“° THE EYE MEDIA
October 15, 2025 | Jinja
The Jinja District Local Government has with immediate effect suspended all activities at Busowoko Beach, following the tragic death of Eng. Gershom Rwakasanga, an operations manager at the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), who drowned at the site over the weekend.
In an official letter dated October 14, 2025, signed by Maganda Moses, the Acting District Natural Resources Officer, the closure order was issued after a District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting held on October 13, 2025. The directive cites violations of environmental and safety laws, including the National Environment Act, 2019, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2006.
“This notice is hereby served suspending all beach activities including swimming, recreation, and all commercial operations at the site,” the letter reads in part, emphasizing that the suspension takes immediate effect.
The order follows growing public concern over safety lapses at the popular tourist attraction, which has been managed by Bagunwa Twaha, a brother to former LCIII chairman, Kada Suuta Abdallah under Wanainchi United Savers.
Negligence and Poor Management Alleged
A worker at the site who preferred anonymity told The Eye Media that the beach has long suffered from poor management, citing the absence of warning signs, clear pathways, or restricted zones to guide visitors.
“There are no signs showing which areas are safe or dangerous. Tourists often wander close to risky spots without knowing,” the worker revealed, adding that several previous warnings from local authorities had been ignored.
Tragic Incident That Sparked Action
The closure follows the October 11 tragedy in which Eng. Rwakasanga, who was visiting the site with colleagues, was reportedly swept away by strong currents at one of the deep sections of the Nile near the falls.
His body was later retrieved by the Jinja Marine Police led by ASP Sunday Bruno, working alongside local divers.
Rwakasanga’s death sent shockwaves through both the corporate and tourism circles, with UNOC describing him as a “dedicated and highly valued member of the company.”
Authorities Take Charge
The District has tasked the OC Environmental Police Protection Unit (EPPU) to take charge of the site until further notice, while other agencies including NEMA, NFA, the RDC Jinja, and regional police commanders have been copied in for enforcement.
The move is expected to trigger a wider review of safety standards at tourism sites along the Nile, especially those that have been operating without adequate signage, safety gear, or trained lifeguards.
As investigations continue, residents and tourism operators are calling for Busowoko Beach to be restructured and properly managed before it can reopen to the public.
