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At least 20 people are feared dead after a boat capsized on the Nguse River in western Uganda, triggering an ongoing search and rescue operation.

The incident occurred Tuesday evening when the vessel, carrying more than 30 passengers, went down under unclear circumstances. Authorities have so far rescued eight survivors, who are currently receiving medical treatment.

Marine police in Kigadi District have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, with early indications pointing to possible overloading, night travel, and the condition of the boat.

Local reports suggest the canoe, which was locally constructed, was transporting passengers along with bags of charcoal at the time of the incident.

Officials have called on relatives of missing persons to come forward as rescue teams continue efforts to locate additional survivors and recover bodies.

The tragedy adds to a series of fatal boat accidents recorded in the region in recent years, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in Uganda’s inland water transport system.