At least 30 people have drowned after a boat carrying a football team and their supporters capsized on Lake Albert, Uganda, on Christmas Day.

The overcrowded boat, which was carrying around 45 people, became unbalanced when too many passengers moved to one side, police told the AFP news agency.

Police say 15 people survived and nine bodies have been found so far.

The football team and fans, from Buliisa District, were singing songs and blowing trumpets and whistles while making their way to a Christmas day football match in Hoima District, the BBC reports.

Fishermen have helped authorities with the rescue operation.