The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) has confirmed that one of its staff members, Eng. Gershom Rwakasanga, is missing after reportedly falling into River Nile at Busowoko Falls in Jinja District.
According to a statement released by UNOC management, the incident occurred on Friday, October 11, 2025, when Eng. Rwakasanga, who serves as the Manager for Terminals and Operations based in Jinja, accidentally slipped and fell into the river.
“The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) would like to inform the general public and all our stakeholders that one of our staff, Eng. Gershom Rwakasanga, Manager Terminals and Operations based in Jinja, while at Busowoko falls in Jinja, accidentally fell into the river. This regrettable incident occurred on the 11th of October,” the statement read in part.
UNOC said that since the incident, it has been working closely with the police, emergency services, and the local community in ongoing search and rescue efforts.
“These operations continue. We will keep the public informed as further information becomes available,” UNOC added, expressing solidarity with the missing engineer’s family and colleagues.
“Our prayers go out to our colleague Gershom as the search efforts continue,” the management said.
Police in Jinja have also joined the rescue operations, though as of Sunday morning, there were no updates regarding the recovery of Eng. Rwakasanga.
Busowoko Falls, a popular tourist site on the Nile, is known for its strong currents and slippery rocks, making rescue efforts particularly challenging.
Authorities have urged members of the public visiting the site to exercise caution near the riverbanks.