KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan authorities are strongly advising citizens, particularly those residing in flood-prone urban centers like Kampala, to acquire swimming skills as a vital life-saving measure against the increasing number of drowning incidents.
Dr. Charles Luzige, Assistant Commissioner for Maritime Monitoring at the Ministry of Works and Transport, issued this call ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day, observed on July 25. Dr. Luzige emphasized that while infrastructure improvements are underway, personal preparedness remains critical.
“Government interventions to address flooding are underway, but individuals must also take responsibility. Swimming is not just a sport — it’s a survival skill, especially when every other safeguard fails,” he stated.
To enhance emergency response capabilities, the government is actively developing a nationwide network of search and rescue centers, all coordinated through a central hub located in Entebbe. Dr. Luzige also encouraged communities to stay vigilant regarding weather forecasts and to actively participate in rescue efforts during emergencies.
Urban flooding continues to be a persistent challenge in Kampala, with areas such as Clock Tower and Meat Packers identified as significant flood hotspots. Dr. Luzige confirmed that drainage systems in these critical locations are currently being upgraded to mitigate future disasters.
A recent national assessment of drowning risks has informed the establishment of rescue facilities in Panyimur, Kaisotonya, and Lake Kyoga. Districts including Masaka, Mayuge, Kyotera, Soroti, Rakai, and Serere have been identified as among the most vulnerable regions.
Experts are warning that drowning is rapidly becoming one of Uganda’s most pressing public health concerns. Dr. Frederick Oporia, Executive Director of the Trauma and Injury Control Centre at Makerere University School of Public Health, highlighted that drowning claims more lives than many realize.
“On average, eight people drown every day in Uganda — that’s roughly 3,000 deaths each year,” Dr. Oporia revealed. He added, “Over the past three years, drowning has ranked among the top three causes of death in Sub-Saharan Africa, alongside malaria and HIV/Aids.”
Also Read: Kampala floods claims at least six lives, city residents decry neglect
A 2021 survey conducted by Makerere University recorded 3,500 drowning fatalities across 74 districts over a mere two and a half years, averaging 1,400 deaths annually.
In March, at least seven lives were lost when flash floods swept through parts of Kampala, while other victims have been reported falling into open drainage channels during heavy downpours.
These tragedies underscore both the limitations of the city’s current drainage infrastructure and the pervasive lack of water safety knowledge among its residents.
