The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) is mourning the death of one of its senior engineers, Eng. Gershom Rwakasanga, who drowned on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Busowoko Falls in Jinja District.
Rwakasanga, who served as Manager of Terminals at UNOC, is said to have been visiting the popular tourist site with his young daughter when the tragic incident occurred at around 4:00 p.m.
According to Samuel Kauta, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Jinja, Eng. Rwakasanga was a regular visitor to the falls but, on this occasion, declined to take a tour guide as he usually did.
“He went to the falls alone with his daughter, and shortly after, people heard the girl screaming for help,” Kauta told reporters.
Local residents and rescue teams rushed to the scene but were unable to save him. Police divers and community volunteers continued searching the River Nile through Sunday morning, but by press time, his body had not yet been recovered.
UNOC Mourns a Dedicated Professional
In a heartfelt statement, UNOC confirmed the loss, describing Eng. Rwakasanga as a committed professional and a pillar in Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our colleague, Eng. Gershom Rwakasanga, Manager Terminals, who tragically lost his life in a water-related incident at Busowoko Falls in Jinja on October 11, 2025,” the company said.
“UNOC is working with security agencies to recover his body. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. May his soul rest in peace.”
Rwakasanga was a key figure in the development of Uganda’s petroleum infrastructure, particularly in the management of fuel storage and transportation systems. His death is being described as a major loss to the company and the broader energy industry.
Police Investigations Underway
The Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson, James Mubi, said that while the incident had not been formally registered at the time of inquiry, investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the drowning.
Police have also cautioned tourists visiting Busowoko Falls — a scenic but dangerous section of the Nile known for its strong currents — to always use local guides and observe safety warnings.
Outpouring of Tributes
Tributes have poured in from across the oil and gas fraternity, with colleagues describing Eng. Rwakasanga as humble, hardworking, and inspiring.
“He was deeply committed to his work and always encouraged young engineers to aim higher,” one colleague posted on social media.
“Eng. Rwakasanga’s passing is a great loss not only to his family but also to the entire UNOC fraternity and Uganda’s energy sector.”
About Busowoko Falls
Busowoko Falls, located along the River Nile in Jinja District, is one of Uganda’s growing eco-tourism destinations, attracting hundreds of visitors every weekend. Despite its beauty, local authorities have frequently warned about its slippery rocks and deep waters, urging visitors to exercise caution.
