A devastating drowning incident at the Busowoko Falls in Jinja city over the weekend has not only claimed the life of a respected public official and expert in the gas and oil sector, but also delivered a profound blow to Uganda’s tourism sector, critically highlighting the severe risks associated with the rapid, unregulated development of natural attractions.
The death of Eng. Gershom Rwakasanga Kateera, an expert and manager at the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), who drowned on Saturday, October 11, 2025, has triggered widespread outrage and resulted in the immediate suspension of all recreational activities at the popular site.
This temporary closure, and the concerns that precipitated it, threaten the reputation of a site celebrated as a key part of Uganda’s adventure tourism circuit.
“The Board, Management and staff of UNOC, with deep sorrow, announce the untimely passing of our colleague, Eng. Gershom Rwakasanga, the Manager of Terminals Development and Operations who was based at Jinja. We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Gershom’s family, friends and all those who worked closely with him,” UNOC said in a statement.
“We wish to clarify that the incident occurred while he was off duty and spending time at Busowoko Falls in Jinja, where he accidentally slipped and drowned in the R.Nile, NOT during a work-related routine site visit,” they added.
Busowoko Falls: A Gem of the Nile Under Threat
Busowoko Falls, nestled along the rapids of the River Nile near Jinja, has rapidly become a must-visit destination.
Known for its picturesque views and thrilling activities like tubing, water massage, white-water rafting, and camping, it was hailed as a successor to other famous Nile rapids that were submerged by hydroelectric dams.
However, the tragedy has exposed a chilling reality: the site’s rapid commercial success was built on a foundation of profound safety and regulatory negligence.
Failure of Safety and Regulation
Preliminary investigations by the Jinja District Security Committee revealed a disturbing prioritisation of money over human life at Busowoko Falls in the following ways:
Lack of Certification
The facility was reportedly operating without an approved operational permit from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). The structures at the facility had been flagged by the Jinja District Environment Officer as “non-approved” and a threat to public safety.
Unqualified Staff
Site workers and rescue personnel lack certification and authorisation from the Marine Police to conduct water safety operations.
Neglect of Protocols
Visitors were reportedly allowed to enter the powerful waters without mandatory life jackets or professional supervision. The site was found to lack robust Safety, Environmental, Health, and Security (SEHS) protocols, including clear signage and trained lifeguards.
The incident has essentially halted operations at a key tourism destination, sending a negative ripple effect across the local economy that relies on the influx of tourists and day-trippers.
Significant Setback for Uganda’s Tourism Image
The death of Eng. Rwakasanga, a high-profile figure in the energy sector, at a site marketed for leisure, carries major implications for Uganda’s national tourism brand, especially in the adventure capital of Jinja, as explained below:
Reputational Damage
The tragedy instantly casts a shadow of danger and lax regulation over a destination that was meant to embody the “Pearl of Africa’s” adventurous spirit. This damage may deter both local and international tourists, who prioritise safety.
Loss of Investor Confidence
The suspension of activities and the revelations of regulatory non-compliance signal instability and risk for potential investors looking to invest in Uganda’s emerging tourism infrastructure.
Regulatory Crackdown
The District Security Committee has pledged a comprehensive review of all recreational sites along the River Nile to ensure compliance. While necessary, this process will inevitably cause further operational delays and closures across the region, slowing down the tourism momentum.
The Accountability Crisis
The incident has triggered demands for stricter accountability and has brought to the forefront the long-standing tensions between the site’s management and local authorities over safety, revenue collection, and regulatory compliance.
The tragedy serves as a stark, painful wake-up call to all tourism stakeholders that growth cannot come at the expense of safety and environmental compliance.
Until Busowoko Falls is fully certified and re-opens under strict, international-standard protocols, the full potential of this magnificent natural resource, and by extension, the Eastern Uganda tourism circuit, remains severely compromised.