Reach A Hand Africa has premiered 'Balance the Boat', a documentary film aimed at raising awareness on drowning prevention and water safety. The film was premiered on October 23, 2026, at Kampala Serena Hotel, and brought together stakeholders in drowning prevention, government representatives, filmmakers, and water safety advocates. The documentary revisits the November 2018 MV Templer boat tragedy on Lake Victoria, which killed over 30 people.
The MV Templer boat tragedy occurred on November 24, 2018, when the boat capsized on Lake Victoria. The documentary examines the human cost of the tragedy and the lessons it offers on passenger safety, emergency preparedness, and accountability. Through accounts from survivors, the film seeks to move the conversation beyond remembering those who died to considering what individuals, communities, and institutions must do to prevent similar incidents.
Survivors of the MV Templer boat tragedy shared their experiences at the premiere, highlighting the importance of water safety and the use of life jackets. Samalie Nakazzi, a survivor, noted that the most difficult part of the tragedy was losing friends and dealing with the judgment survivors faced from people who were not on the boat. She emphasized that those responsible for operating boats must ensure that vessels are in good condition and that passengers wear life jackets.
The documentary also highlights the importance of practical survival skills and the use of life jackets. Some people survived the tragedy because they could swim or keep themselves afloat with life jackets on while waiting for rescue. However, individual precautions must be supported by responsible boat operations, compliance with safety regulations, and effective emergency response systems.
The film complements Reach A Hand Africa's Omanyi Okuwuga drowning prevention campaign, which promotes water safety awareness and practical skills to help prevent drowning. The campaign is implemented in Masaka, Mayuge, and Rakai, with expansion into Soroti and Serere. Humphrey Nabimanya, the Chief Executive Officer of Reach A Hand Africa, emphasized the importance of the documentary in promoting water safety.
Research from Makerere University School of Public Health has highlighted the scale of drowning in Uganda and challenges in documenting incidents. Dr. Frederick Oporia, an injury epidemiologist and drowning prevention researcher, estimated approximately 2,942 drowning deaths annually. The government is working to improve emergency response on major water bodies, with boats stationed on major water bodies to address delays in rescue operations.
The documentary 'Balance the Boat' will be available on Kwiso TV, accessible through the MTN TV app on Afromobile. Viewers can download the MTN TV app from Google Play or the Apple App Store and select Kwiso TV to watch. The film's producer and director, Mathew Nabwiso, emphasized the importance of telling African stories and documenting survivors' experiences.
Key points
- The documentary 'Balance the Boat' aims to raise awareness on drowning prevention and water safety.
- The MV Templer boat tragedy killed over 30 people on Lake Victoria in 2018.
- Reach A Hand Africa's Omanyi Okuwuga campaign promotes water safety awareness and practical skills to prevent drowning.
