A report by the Makerere University School of Public Health has revealed alarming statistics, placing Uganda among countries with the highest drowning death rates globally.
The study estimates 502 drowning deaths per 100,000 people, with the highest toll recorded in lakeside fishing communities.
The report further highlights that most drowning incidents go unreported. Between 2016 and 2018, more than 2,000 drowning cases were documented in a detailed study of 14 districts across the country.
During a presentation of the report findings at Ssaza Grounds in Masaka City, Dr. Frederick Oporia from the Makerere University School of Public Health underscored the importance of preventive measures.
He advocated for safe spaces for children, the installation of barriers near water bodies, swimming lessons for school-age children, and first-aid training for responders.
“Uganda has recorded 2.5 million drowning deaths over the last decade, making it the third leading cause of injury-related deaths globally,” Dr. Oporia stated. He emphasized that the study’s data would guide the design of interventions under the Drowning Prevention Project spearheaded by Reach a Hand Uganda (RAHU).
He also recalled the tragic 2018 “balance the boat” incident on Lake Victoria, where 32 young adults lost their lives due to overcrowding and poor vessel maintenance.
On Friday, the Drowning Prevention Project was officially launched, aiming to reduce drowning deaths in Uganda by 25% by 2025.
Eng. Sowed Sewagude, Commissioner for International and Transboundary Water Affairs at the Ministry of Water and Environment, described drowning as a “silent epidemic” and called for collaborative efforts to address the crisis.
“The government of Uganda remains committed to creating safer communities for all. I hope this project will inspire further initiatives and partnerships to promote water safety,” Eng. Sewagude remarked.
Benson Muhindo, Country Director for Reach a Hand Uganda, stressed the need for accurate, youth-centred information to mitigate the risks. He cited a startling statistic from the report: 95% of people who drowned in boating accidents were not wearing life jackets.
“Communities around Lake Victoria bear the highest drowning death rates globally. The tragedy has claimed countless lives in lakes, rivers, and even floodwaters,” Muhindo noted.
He said Reach a Hand Uganda, with leadership from the ministry, would adopt a community-based approach to implement the National Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Strategic Plan. This approach will focus on strengthening local response systems and creating safe spaces, such as community-owned swimming pools, to teach survival swimming.
Currently, the organisation is training local trainers in three districts and collaborating with schools and the Ministry of Education and Sports to sensitise children about water safety.
The project is being implemented under an advocacy campaign titled “Omanyi Okuwuga”, which translates to “Learn to Swim.” The campaign aims to raise public awareness and foster a culture of responsibility in preventing drowning deaths.
With drowning ranked among the leading causes of preventable deaths in Uganda, the Drowning Prevention Project seeks to pave the way for lasting solutions and a safer future.
