Marine Association launched in Uganda

The first President of the newly launched Marine Association of Uganda Ms Mary Tumwikirize has revealed that the association will work together with different stakeholders to curb water accidents and save lives on Uganda’s various water bodies.
“Having lost my father many years ago in the waters, I has always wanted to keep the memory of my father who was a marine in the early years but was killed by the waters, so I went on to register the Marine Association of Uganda and also become the first President of the Association” she noted.
The launch was held on the 29th September at Portbell in Luzira on Delta 1 Vessel as Uganda joined the rest of the World to commemorate the annual World Marine’s Day themed, “was New technologies for greener shipping” which falls on September 29th every year.

“Launching the association is a dream come true and it’s a i will never get out of my head, it’s a day I launched something that is surely making my father happy wherever he is. I thank all the members of the press, members from Civil Aviation, the UPDF and the divers who graced the occasion to the see the association open” Tumwikirize said.
Mary Tumwikirize who also doubles as Presenter at Uganda Broadcasting Television’s and Public relations officer said together the various marine bodies will act together to prevent loss of lives like in the as the recent tragic MV Templa accident that claimed about 20 lives of Ugandans four years.
The commemorations which were the first to be held in Uganda brought together dignitaries from Civil Aviation, UPDF Maritimes and Divers.
The Chief Fire Officer at Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Reverend Samuel Atabua said there is need to have a mechanism where they can monitor all the travelers and water activities.
He went on and said that the issue of water safety should be taken very seriously and should be a starting point for Ugandans to improve image in the eyes of the locals and the international bodies.
At the end of the event, Divers from Civil Aviation and UDPF demonstrated to the guest how to save lives of people who get accidents on water and the best way to wear a life jacket when travelling on water.