With drowning incidents on the rise across Uganda, the government is calling on citizens, particularly those in flood-prone urban centres like Kampala, to learn swimming as a vital life-saving skill.
Dr. Charles Luzige, Assistant Commissioner for Maritime Monitoring at the Ministry of Works and Transport, issued the appeal ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25. He emphasized that while infrastructure upgrades are underway, individual preparedness remains critical in saving lives.
“Government interventions to address flooding are ongoing, but individuals must also take responsibility. Swimming is not just a sport, it’s a survival skill, especially when every other safeguard fails,” Luzige said.
Urban flooding continues to plague Kampala, with hotspots like Clock Tower and Meat Packers frequently inundated. Luzige noted that drainage systems in these areas are being improved, but residents must also stay alert to weather warnings and be proactive during emergencies.
To strengthen national emergency response, Uganda is establishing a network of search and rescue centres, coordinated through a central hub in Entebbe. Key rescue facilities have been launched in high-risk areas such as Panyimur, Kaisotonya, and Lake Kyoga, guided by a recent national drowning risk assessment.
Districts including Masaka, Mayuge, Kyotera, Soroti, Rakai, and Serere have been flagged among the most vulnerable to drowning incidents, especially during heavy rains and flooding.
Health experts warn that drowning has become one of Uganda’s most overlooked public health crises. Dr. Frederick Oporia, Executive Director at Makerere University’s Trauma and Injury Control Centre, said the country loses an average of eight people to drowning each day, amounting to around 3,000 deaths annually.
“Over the past three years, drowning has consistently ranked among the top three causes of death in Sub-Saharan Africa, alongside malaria and HIV/AIDS,” Dr. Oporia noted.
A 2021 study by Makerere University recorded 3,500 drowning fatalities across 74 districts in just two and a half years, reinforcing the urgent need for water safety education and preparedness.
Recent tragedies, including the deaths of seven people during March flash floods in Kampala, have highlighted the deadly consequences of poor drainage systems and a widespread lack of swimming skills.
As Uganda commemorates World Drowning Prevention Day, authorities are urging communities to prioritize water safety, remain weather-aware, and embrace swimming as an essential survival tool in a changing climate.
Written By Rodney Mbua
