Kampala, Uganda — The Ugandan government has launched a nationwide Drowning Prevention Project to combat the alarming rate of drowning deaths in the country.
According to officials, over 2.5 million Ugandans have lost their lives to drowning in the last decade, with the majority of incidents occurring in lakeside fishing communities.
The project, launched by the Ministry of Water and Environment, aims to reduce drowning deaths by 25% by 2025. It will focus on providing safe places for children, installing barriers near water bodies, teaching school-age children swimming skills, and training first responders to effectively conduct first aid during drowning incidents.
“The government of Uganda remains committed to creating safer communities for all,” said Eng Sowedi Sewagudde, Commissioner for International and Transboundary Water Affairs.
“We must take collective action to address the rising cases of drowning deaths. This project is not a problem that can be solved by one entity alone.”
Dr Frederick Oporia, a researcher at Makerere University School of Public Health, warned that the alarming rate of drowning deaths in Uganda was a “ticking time bomb” that required immediate attention.
“Uganda has the highest rates of drowning deaths globally,” he said. “It’s imperative that we take drastic measures to prevent these unnecessary deaths.”
Benson Muhindo, Country Director of Reach a Hand Uganda, which is implementing the project, said: “We need to provide accurate information to young people and children, who are most at risk of drowning.
“Life jackets are scarce, and we know from the report that 95% of people who have drowned from a boating incident were not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.”
The project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment, Design Without Borders, and Makerere University School of Public Health.
