By Nanteza Ruth Walusimbi
JINJA
Jinja District Local Government has 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 14th October 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 Monday 13th October, 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 follows growing public concern over safety at the beach.
A worker at the site who preferred anonymity said the beach has long suffered from poor management, citing the absence of warning signs, clear pathways and restricted zones to guide visitors.
The closure follows the October 11 tragedy in which Eng. Rwakasanga, who was visiting the site with colleagues, was reportedly swept away by strong waves at one of the deep sections of the Nile near the falls.
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 urged on enforcement.
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.
