The Ministry of Water and Environment, in collaboration with Reach a Hand Uganda, Design Without Borders, and Makerere University School of Public Health, has launched the Drowning Prevention Project aimed at reducing drowning deaths by 25% by 2025.
Speaking at the launch event in Masaka City, Eng. Sowed Sewagude, Commissioner for International and Transboundary Water Affairs, called for urgent collective action to address the silent epidemic of drowning deaths in Uganda.
“This project is a critical step in creating safer communities and ensuring water safety, especially for children and vulnerable populations. Let us unite in enforcing water safety measures and educating our children to be cautious around water bodies,” Eng. Sewagude emphasized.
The launch comes after recent tragic incidents, including two rescue boats capsizing on the Pakwach Bridge during flood-related rescue operations and children swept away by floods in Masaka City and Kasese District. These events highlight the urgent need for nationwide intervention.
Uganda has one of the highest drowning rates globally, with 502 drowning deaths per 100,000 people, particularly in lakeside fishing communities, according to a 2020 report by Makerere University School of Public Health. Dr. Frederick Oporia, a public health expert, revealed that over 2.5 million drowning deaths have been recorded in the past decade, making it the third leading cause of injury-related deaths in the country.
“Most drowning deaths occur without rescue attempts due to a lack of skills and equipment. Teaching survival swimming, installing barriers, and training first responders are critical measures to reduce these incidents,” Dr. Oporia noted.
The project focuses on high-risk districts, including Rakai, Masaka, and Mayuge, where drowning rates are disproportionately high.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Save Lives
The Drowning Prevention Project adopts a community-centered approach, guided by the National Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Strategic Plan. Key strategies include:
- Building community swimming pools for survival swimming lessons.
- Training local first responders in rescue operations and first aid.
- Providing life jackets to vulnerable communities.
- Collaborating with schools to educate children about water safety.
Benson Muhindo, Country Director of Reach a Hand Uganda, stressed the importance of public awareness. “We are addressing the scarcity of life jackets and ensuring our communities are equipped with the knowledge and tools to prevent drowning incidents,” he said.
The advocacy campaign, ‘Omanyi Okuwuga’ (Know How to Swim), will play a pivotal role in engaging communities, promoting responsibility, and reducing drowning deaths.
Through collective efforts, Uganda aims to create safer environments for its citizens and achieve a significant reduction in drowning fatalities by 2025.
