editor
Two survivors of the devastating 2022 plane crash in Bukoba are seeking more than Sh7.2 billion in compensation for the physical injuries and psychological trauma they suffered in the tragedy that claimed 19 lives.
Nickson Kawiche and Josephine Mwakisambwe, who were among 24 passengers pulled from the wreckage alive, have each filed separate lawsuits against the airline involved. Kawiche is demanding $1.89 million (about Sh5 billion), while Mwakisambwe is seeking $849,771 (around Sh2.28 billion) to cover the impact the crash has had on their lives.
The accident took place on November 6, 2022, when a scheduled flight from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam attempted to land at Bukoba Airport under difficult weather conditions. Instead of reaching the runway, the aircraft plunged into Lake Victoria, just meters from safety.
Also Read; Global Indifference Continues Amid DRC’s Ongoing Turmoil
On board were 43 people — 39 passengers, two pilots, and two cabin crew members. Seventeen passengers and both pilots lost their lives, while the remaining survivors were left grappling with various injuries and emotional scars.
According to the lawsuits, Kawiche continues to suffer from spinal disc injuries and debilitating psychological trauma. Mwakisambwe, meanwhile, endured head injuries, abrasions, knee damage, and tissue injuries in her legs. Both survivors also reported ongoing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Beyond the physical wounds, the survivors’ legal teams argue that their clients have suffered significant financial losses and emotional distress, impacting their ability to work and live normally.
While crashes are rare, the Bukoba tragedy reignited serious conversations about air travel safety in the region, particularly concerning flight operations during adverse weather conditions. Questions have also been raised about the adequacy of airport emergency response systems in smaller cities.
