The Ministry of Water and Environment has raised alarm over the escalating drowning deaths in Uganda, describing the situation as a “silent epidemic.” Commissioner for International and Transboundary Water Affairs, Eng. Sowed Sewagude, called for unified efforts to address the crisis during the launch of the Drowning Prevention Project in Masaka City.
The initiative, spearheaded by Reach a Hand Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment, Makerere University School of Public Health, and Design Without Borders, aims to reduce drowning deaths by 25% by 2025.
Rising Tragedies Prompt Action
The launch comes in the wake of recent heartbreaking incidents, including the capsizing of two rescue boats on the Pakwach Bridge. The boats, carrying 12 people—six rescue personnel and six stranded flood victims—tragically capsized during a rescue mission.
Earlier in September, two children were swept away by floods in Masaka City, while two siblings drowned in River Sebwe, Kasese District, attempting to cross it after heavy rains. These incidents highlight the urgent need for water safety measures across the country.
“The government of Uganda remains committed to creating safer communities for all, and I hope this project will inspire more initiatives and partnerships to prevent drowning and promote water safety,” said Eng. Sewagude.
Uganda’s Sobering Statistics
A 2020 report by Makerere University School of Public Health reveals that Uganda has one of the highest drowning death rates globally, with an estimated 502 deaths per 100,000 people. Particularly affected are lakeside fishing communities, where drowning often goes unreported.
Between 2016 and 2018, over 2,000 cases were documented in a study of 14 districts, and the report indicates that drowning is now the third leading cause of injury-related deaths in Uganda.
Dr. Frederick Oporia, presenting the report findings, emphasized the importance of safeguarding children, installing barriers near water bodies, teaching survival swimming skills, and training first responders in emergency rescue techniques.
“These are not just statistics. They represent lives lost and underscore the urgent need for effective water safety interventions,” Dr. Oporia noted, referencing the 2018 Balance the Boat tragedy in which 32 lives were lost on Lake Victoria due to overcrowding and poor vessel maintenance.
A Community-Driven Approach
The Drowning Prevention Project targets high-risk districts, including Rakai, Masaka, and Mayuge, where drowning rates are alarmingly high. The initiative includes:
- Strengthening community response systems.
- Establishing safe swimming spaces, such as community-owned swimming pools.
- Sensitizing children in schools on water safety practices.
- Training community members in rescue and first aid skills.
Reach a Hand Uganda’s Country Director, Benson Muhindo, stressed the importance of awareness and access to life-saving equipment like life jackets. “Ninety-five percent of people who drown in boating accidents were not wearing life jackets. We must empower communities to act before more lives are lost,” Muhindo said.
Advocacy for Awareness
Under the advocacy campaign Omanyi Okuwuga (Know How to Swim), the project seeks to engage the public in promoting water safety and fostering responsibility around water bodies.
Through partnerships with schools and local authorities, the initiative aims to create a sustainable impact by teaching survival skills and building community resilience.
As Uganda grapples with this hidden crisis, the launch of the Drowning Prevention Project represents a critical step toward saving lives and preventing future tragedies.
