FUFA expresses 'deep sorrow' after Lake Albert tragedy

Uganda's football federation and its president, Moses Magogo, have offered condolences following the boat tragedy involving a village team.

Football authorities in Uganda have expressed their "deep sorrow" after fans and players of a village football team died when their boat capsized on Lake Albert.

Police said on Monday that at least 30 people drowned when the vessel, said to have been well over its capacity, overturned after becoming unbalanced on the water.

The boat was carrying players and supporters of a local team from the village of Kaweibanda, who were travelling for a Christmas Day friendly match in Hoima district.

"Federation of Uganda Football Associations is in deep sorrow following the loss of lives of footballers and fans of a village team from Buliisa district," a FUFA statement read.

"The unfortunate incident that led to the loss of lives happened on Sunday when a boat on which the fans and players were travelling on capsized on Lake Albert in Western Uganda."

FUFA president Moses Magogo said: "Our condolences go out to the people of the Kitara region Football Association following the loss of Buliisa Football club players and fans on Lake Albert. We are with you during these trying times.