Samuel still cannot locate his relatives 23 years after the MV Bukoba tragedy

Mwanza. It has been 23 years since the MV Bukoba tragedy that led to loss of hundreds of lives and yet for the survivors, they were left with gruesome memories.

On that fateful night Samuel Mv Bukoba who was with his parents was only four, with over two decades gone, he still cannot locate his relatives.

Samuel acquired the name, ‘Mv Bukoba’ at the Mabatini Orphanage Center where his guardians named him after the accident that occurred on May 21, 1996.

He survived the tragedy after his mother threw him on top of sailing bunches of banana close to the sinking ship.

Speaking on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 during a special commemoration mass held close to the Igoma cemetery, Samuel said in spite of getting huge support from good Samaritans since the he longs for the day he will see his relatives.

“This is the 23rd year, I’m still looking for my relatives, all has so far been in vain. The government, my guardians and I have made great efforts towards that,” he said.

In his clarification, he said he wasn’t looking for relatives because there is anything that he wants from them, he is rather interested in knowing his roots.

 “I was raised at the Mabatini Orphanage Center where Good Samaritans  have been providing me with assistance that has enabled me reach this age. I would like to thank them all, but I will be happier the day I know my relatives,” he said.

He called on the government to use Mv Bukoba tragedy as a lesson to improve the laws, regulations and procedures, not only for marine transport, but also to aviation and surface transportation.