HEJNU & SWIMSAVE: ANTI DROWNING CAMPAIGN MEDIA CAFÉ

The Drowning Prevention Media Café was held on 4 September 2026 to launch the 3,000 Campaign, a three-month national effort to raise awareness about drowning in Uganda and mobilise support for training community responders in high-risk lakeside communities.

The café highlighted the growing burden of drowning in Uganda and focused on practical measures that can be implemented to prevent deaths and improve safety on the country’s water bodies. Discussions also explored the need for stronger community awareness, timely emergency response and improved reporting and data collection on drowning incidents.

The event brought together representatives from the Marine Police, SwimSafe, civil society organisations involved in water safety and emergency response, and more than 30 journalists from the Health Journalists Network Uganda (HEJNU).

The café was organised by Doreen Murungi, supervised by Esther Nakkazi, President of HEJNU, and coordinated by Jael Namiganda. It provided a platform for journalists and stakeholders to discuss the factors contributing to drowning and identify opportunities to strengthen prevention and response efforts.

A key focus of the discussions was the importance of improving drowning data collection and reporting to better understand where, when and how drowning occurs. Participants also discussed strengthening prevention measures, promoting safer behaviour around water, and ensuring that communities have access to people trained to respond to emergencies.

Speakers emphasised that drowning is a preventable public health and safety problem that requires coordinated action. They called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, communities, health workers, local leaders, boat operators, security agencies, civil society organisations and development partners.

The café also underscored the important role of journalists in keeping drowning prevention on the public agenda, sharing accurate information and highlighting practical measures that communities can take to reduce the risk of drowning.

Speakers

SSP Siriba Bashir — Safety Officer, Marine Police, Kigo
SSP Isabirye Manisul — Safety Officer, Marine Police
Otto Businge — Research Fellow, Makerere University School of Public Health
Moses Kalanzi — Executive Director, Swim Savers Uganda
Aliga Cliff Asher — Emergency and Critical Care Specialist, representing the Uganda National Emergency Registration Council
Mukandutiye Maria Gorreti — Drowning Victim
Moses Nsubuga — Drowning Survivor

Presentation by SSP Siriba Bashir (Above)

SSP Siriba Bashir, Safety Officer with the Marine Police at Kigo, highlighted the scale of drowning in Uganda and the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral response.

Uganda has numerous lakes, rivers and other water bodies that are central to transport, fishing and livelihoods. However, these water bodies also expose communities to significant safety risks. During the meeting, it was reported, citing information attributed to the Makerere University School of Public Health, that more than 3,000 people were estimated to have drowned in Uganda in the previous year. Young people were identified as particularly affected, with many reported victims falling within the 20–29-year age group.

A multi-sectoral approach

Siriba said the Uganda Marine Police, under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, is coordinating efforts to address drowning through a multi-sectoral approach involving approximately 12 government ministries, civil society organisations and development partners.

He explained that drowning prevention requires collaboration across sectors because responsibilities related to transport safety, weather forecasting, law enforcement, emergency response, community sensitisation and financing are distributed across different institutions.

He called for an inclusive strategic work plan that clearly defines the roles, responsibilities and budgetary commitments of participating stakeholders.

Role of the Marine Police

Siriba described the Marine Police as a key institution in drowning prevention and emergency response. The force operates across Uganda’s water bodies and works with beach management units, local governments, fisheries officers and other agencies.

Its responsibilities include:

Conducting patrols on water bodies
Responding to emergencies
Conducting search-and-rescue operations
Enforcing water-safety regulations
Sensitising communities on water safety
Collaborating with other agencies to improve safety on water

Participants were also informed of a toll-free emergency line, 080 800 300 100 113, for reporting emergencies, with a reported response target of approximately 20 minutes.

Community sensitisation and prevention

Siriba emphasised that communities living around lakes and rivers should be at the centre of drowning prevention efforts. He called for regular community sensitisation on safe boating, proper use of life jackets, survival swimming and the risks associated with travelling on water during unsafe weather conditions.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening awareness and enforcement of existing legislation, including the Inland Water Act.

Survival swimming and water-safety skills

The presentation highlighted the importance of survival swimming and basic water-safety skills, particularly for people who live near or regularly use water bodies.

Siriba recommended promoting these skills among people who frequently travel by boat, fish or engage in other water-based activities. The discussion also pointed to the potential role of communities in building basic knowledge of how to respond when someone is in danger of drowning.

Alcohol and drug use

Alcohol and drug use among some boat operators and navigators was identified as a safety concern. Siriba noted that intoxication can impair judgement, coordination and the ability to respond appropriately during emergencies.

He called for boat operators and navigators to avoid alcohol and drug use while carrying out their duties and for stronger enforcement of relevant safety requirements.

Life jackets and safety standards

Siriba emphasised that life jackets are an essential component of water safety. Participants discussed the need to ensure that life jackets are properly manufactured, approved and appropriate for the intended users.

Key safety features discussed included:

Adequate buoyancy
Strong and secure straps
High-visibility colours
Correct sizing and weight ratings
Appropriate approval markings
Compliance with relevant safety standards

Participants also raised concerns about the growing number of life-jacket manufacturers and the need for trained personnel to verify that products meet required safety standards.

Community first responders and rescue

The discussion highlighted the potential role of community-based first responders in providing immediate assistance while professional rescue teams are being mobilised. Siriba called for greater investment in training community members in basic emergency response and drowning prevention.

The Marine Police’s search-and-rescue role was also discussed, including the challenges associated with recovering victims from water. Participants noted that delays in recovering bodies can add to the distress experienced by families who are waiting to bury their loved ones.

Weather information and early warning

Access to accurate and timely weather information was identified as an important component of drowning prevention.

Participants called for stronger collaboration between the Marine Police and the Uganda National Meteorological Authority to ensure that boat operators, passengers and communities receive timely warnings about dangerous weather conditions.

The discussion recommended strengthening early-warning systems so that people can make informed decisions about whether and when to travel on the water.

Policy and regulatory measures

The café highlighted the need to strengthen implementation of existing policies and regulations governing water safety. Participants noted that the government is working on additional measures intended to improve safety on Uganda’s water bodies.

They stressed, however, that regulations alone will not reduce drowning without effective implementation. Key areas identified included:

Effective enforcement
Regular inspections
Monitoring of boats and safety equipment
Public awareness of water-safety laws
Clear institutional accountability

Key challenges identified

The discussion identified several barriers to effective drowning prevention and response:

Limited funding for drowning prevention and marine safety
Inadequate coordination among responsible institutions
Limited search-and-rescue capacity
Insufficient training of community-based first responders
Alcohol and drug use among some boat operators
Poor compliance with life-jacket requirements
Concerns about substandard life jackets
Limited access to timely weather information
Challenges in recovering victims from water
Weak enforcement of existing water-safety regulations

Recommendations

Based on the issues raised during the presentation and discussion, the following actions were recommended:

Develop and implement a national multi-sectoral drowning prevention strategy.
Develop an inclusive strategic work plan that defines the roles, responsibilities and budget commitments of participating institutions.
Strengthen Marine Police patrols and search-and-rescue capacity.
Expand community sensitisation programmes in high-risk areas around Uganda’s water bodies.
Promote survival swimming and basic water-safety skills among communities, particularly frequent water users.
Improve access to properly approved and appropriately sized life jackets for boat operators and passengers.
Strengthen inspection and certification of life-jacket manufacturers and products.
Invest in training community-based first responders in high-risk communities.
Improve access to accurate and timely weather information and early-warning systems.
Strengthen enforcement of the Inland Water Act and other relevant water-safety regulations.
Address alcohol and drug use among boat operators and navigators through enforcement and awareness measures.
Increase government and partner investment in drowning prevention, community preparedness and marine safety.

SSP ISABIRYE MANISUL

SSP Isabirye Manisul

Presentation by SSP Isabirye Manisul

SSP Isabirye Manisul, Safety Officer with the Marine Police, highlighted the importance of addressing the broader social, infrastructure and information gaps that contribute to community vulnerability, including drowning.

He identified challenges affecting communities such as inadequate water supply, poor sanitation, inadequate infrastructure, crime and limited access to basic services. He emphasised the role of government in improving access to essential services and infrastructure, while also listening to community concerns and working with local leaders to identify appropriate solutions. Participants noted that limited resources can constrain the ability of government to meet all community needs.

Community participation

Isabirye emphasised that sustainable community development requires active participation by community members. He encouraged communities to identify their own challenges, participate in decision-making and work with local leaders and government authorities to develop solutions.

The discussion recognised community-led initiatives as an important component of sustainable development and called for stronger coordination and cooperation among community members, local leaders and government institutions.

Strengthening drowning data collection

Isabirye highlighted the need to strengthen the collection and use of drowning data to guide prevention and response efforts.

Studies conducted in Uganda in 2016 and 2018 were cited as contributing to understanding the magnitude of drowning and demonstrating the need for routine data collection. One recommendation was to integrate drowning into routine health information systems.

Current efforts include engaging Village Health Teams (VHTs) and Village Health Delegates (VHDs) to identify and report drowning incidents to the Ministry of Health. The process involves identifying cases within communities, recording information through relevant reporting systems, supervising data collection and communicating findings to the Ministry of Health.

Challenges in drowning data collection

Participants noted that obtaining accurate national drowning figures remains challenging. One significant limitation is that some victims are never recovered, meaning that some drowning incidents may not be formally recorded.

Additional challenges identified included incomplete reporting, limited supervision, inadequate training and the need to motivate community-based data collectors.

Isabirye stressed that reliable data is essential for understanding the magnitude and distribution of drowning and for enabling government and partners to design and target appropriate prevention interventions.

The discussion also highlighted the role of health workers and other data collectors in reviewing records and engaging communities to verify reported incidents. These processes can help identify cases that may have been missed through routine reporting systems. Data from selected districts is also being used to contribute to understanding the wider national burden.

Journalists participating in the café called for additional research and publication to strengthen the evidence base on drowning in Uganda and support greater public and policy attention to the issue.

Life jackets and safety standards

The café also examined the availability, quality and use of life jackets on Uganda’s water bodies.

Participants noted that standards for life jackets are approved by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS)and recommended continued engagement with UNBS to obtain and disseminate information on the required specifications.

Concerns were raised about whether all life jackets available on the market and being used on Uganda’s water bodies meet the required standards. Participants called for increased public awareness about the importance of using approved, properly fitted and appropriate life jackets.

Climate change and drowning risk

Climate change and extreme weather events were identified as factors that can increase exposure to drowning risks. Examples of sudden flooding affecting communities illustrated how extreme weather can create additional hazards, particularly for people living near water bodies.

The discussion highlighted the need to strengthen community preparedness, early-warning systems and public awareness in areas vulnerable to flooding and other extreme weather events.

Swimming skills and water safety

Isabirye highlighted swimming and water-survival skills as one component of drowning prevention. He stressed, however, that swimming ability should not be considered a substitute for other safety measures, particularly the use of appropriate life jackets when travelling or working on water.

Communities living near water bodies were encouraged to access water-safety education and acquire basic skills that can help reduce exposure to drowning risks.

National drowning prevention strategy

Isabirye reported that a national drowning prevention strategy is being developed but was still awaiting approval from the relevant ministries at the time of the café.

The proposed strategy is expected to provide a coordinated framework for drowning prevention, data collection, emergency response, community sensitisation and other interventions. Participants highlighted the importance of ensuring that the strategy is adequately resourced and implemented once approved.

Otto Busingye

Otto Businge, Research Fellow at the Makerere University School of Public Health, presented findings from a CDC-funded study examining the magnitude, causes and impact of drowning in Uganda.

The study, which began in 2016, covered 60 districts, including both lakeside and non-lakeside communities. It used information from police records, health facilities, and community sources to better understand the burden of drowning and its effects on individuals, families, and communities.

Businge emphasized that drowning should be treated as a significant public health and safety concern, particularly among communities that depend on water bodies for their livelihoods.

Key Findings from the Study

According to Businge, the study documented nearly 3,000 drowning deaths across the 60 districts studied. The research drew on multiple sources, including police, hospital, and community records, to provide a broader picture of drowning in Uganda.

The findings showed that people living and working around major water bodies, including Lake Victoria and Lake Albert, are particularly vulnerable. Fishing, transportation, and other water-based economic activities expose communities to significant risks.

Businge also revealed that drowning is not only associated with natural disasters. Unsafe boats, overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, lack of safety equipment, and unsafe practices are important contributors to drowning incidents.

Impact of Drowning on Communities

Drowning has devastating consequences for families and communities. During interviews conducted as part of the study, Businge shared accounts of families losing several members in drowning incidents.

The loss of family members can have serious economic consequences, particularly when those who die are responsible for supporting their households.

Survivors may also experience long-term physical and psychological consequences. Musinghe noted that drowning can result in brain injuries and severe trauma, which may not always be captured in official statistics.

The presentation therefore stressed that the impact of drowning goes beyond the number of people who die. Survivors, families, and entire communities can continue to suffer long after an incident occurs.

Major Safety Challenges

Businge said several challenges contributing to drowning.

a) Overcrowded and Unsafe Boats

Many people use boats that are overcrowded or poorly maintained. Such conditions increase the likelihood of accidents, particularly on lakes where weather and water conditions can change quickly.

b) Limited Access to Life Jackets

The absence or inadequate use of life jackets was identified as a major safety concern. People travelling or working on water bodies may not have access to appropriate personal flotation equipment.

c) Lack of Standardized Boats

The presentation highlighted the need for safer and standardized boats. Poorly constructed or unsuitable boats increase the risk of accidents and drowning.

d) Weak Safety Infrastructure

Communities that depend on water bodies often lack adequate safety infrastructure and systems to respond effectively to emergencies.

e) Unsafe Water Transport Practices

Fishing and transportation are essential sources of income for many communities. However, economic dependence on water can sometimes result in people taking risks to continue working or travelling, even when conditions are unsafe.

Drowning as a Public Health Issue

Businge emphasized that drowning should receive greater attention as a public health issue in Uganda. While attention is often focused on other causes of death and emergencies, drowning continues to affect communities, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on water.

His presentation also emphasized the need for better data collection. Combining information from police, hospitals, and communities can help authorities understand where drowning occurs, who is most affected, and the circumstances surrounding incidents.

Improved data would support the development of targeted prevention programmes and help policymakers allocate resources more effectively.

7. Recommended Interventions

Based on the issues raised during his presentation, Businge recommended the following interventions;

1.Improve enforcement of water safety regulations to ensure that boats meet required safety standards.
2.Increase access to and use of life jackets among fishermen, boat operators, passengers, and other people who work or travel on water.
3.Promote standardized and safer boats that can withstand the conditions on Uganda’s lakes.
4.Reduce overcrowding on boats through stronger monitoring and enforcement.
5.Strengthen drowning surveillance and data collection by improving coordination between police, health facilities, communities, and other relevant institutions.
6.Increase community awareness about drowning prevention and safe practices on water bodies.
7.Strengthen emergency response systems so that people involved in water accidents can receive timely assistance.
8.Conduct further research to understand the causes, risk factors, and long-term effects of drowning and non-fatal drowning.
9.Support survivors and affected families, particularly those experiencing physical, psychological, or economic consequences following drowning incidents.

Ongoing Research

Businge explained that the drowning research began in 2016 and that he is currently pursuing a PhD focused on drowning. His continued research demonstrates the importance of generating evidence that can guide drowning prevention policies and interventions in Uganda.

He said further research is needed to establish the full scale of drowning, identify high-risk populations and locations, and determine which prevention strategies are most effective.

Mr. Moses Kalanzi

Presentation by Moses Kalanzi

Moses Kalanzi, Executive Director of SwimSafe Uganda, presented the organisation’s work to reduce drowning in Uganda through community education, prevention, swimming and rescue training, and improved water safety.

SwimSafe Uganda was established in 2011 by a group of lifesavers who recognised the need for stronger drowning prevention measures in Uganda. Kalanzi also shared his personal experience as a drowning survivor, which has informed his commitment to strengthening drowning prevention and water safety in communities.

The presentation highlighted the particular vulnerability of lakeside and island communities, as well as communities that depend on water for transport, fishing and other economic activities.

SwimSafe Uganda’s approach

SwimSafe Uganda’s work is centred on improving safety on, in and around water through three main areas:

Education — equipping communities with knowledge and skills to understand and prevent drowning.
Prevention — identifying risks and promoting measures that reduce exposure to drowning.
Rescue — building swimming, rescue and emergency-response skills among community members.

Kalanzi emphasised that communities should be active participants in drowning prevention rather than relying solely on government agencies or external organisations.

The burden of drowning in Uganda

Kalanzi highlighted Uganda’s high exposure to drowning risks due to the country’s numerous lakes and rivers and the large number of people who live and work around water.

For many communities, water is essential for accessing schools, health facilities, markets and workplaces. Fishing and water transport are also important sources of livelihoods, increasing regular exposure to water-related hazards.

The presentation cited research conducted in 2009 by Makerere University that documented a high drowning burden among lakeside communities, including a reported rate of 502 drowning deaths per 100,000 people. The historical finding was presented to illustrate the scale of risk in highly exposed communities and the need for targeted prevention interventions.

Community-based training

Community mobilisation is a central component of SwimSafe Uganda’s approach. The organisation works with communities to identify local drowning risks and develop practical responses.

According to Kalanzi, approximately 1,900 community members have been trained in:

Swimming
Water rescue
Basic rescue techniques
Pre-hospital care
Water-safety awareness

The training has been conducted in collaboration with institutions including the Marine Police and Fire Department, with teams reaching islands and other high-risk communities.

The approach aims to ensure that people living in high-risk areas have basic skills to respond to drowning incidents while professional emergency services are being mobilised.

Community ownership

Kalanzi emphasised that local communities need to be at the centre of drowning prevention. Community members understand the risks in their areas and can identify dangerous practices, unsafe crossing points, inadequate equipment and other factors that may contribute to drowning.

With appropriate training, community members can also serve as first responders by recognising danger, providing assistance and supporting safe rescue efforts while awaiting professional responders.

The approach seeks to build local ownership and sustained community capacity rather than dependence on external organisations.

Life jackets and safety equipment

The presentation identified access to genuine and appropriate life jackets as a major challenge.

Kalanzi noted concerns about the ability of consumers and communities to distinguish between life jackets that provide adequate protection and those that may not meet appropriate safety requirements. The discussion highlighted the importance of clear standards, effective regulation and public awareness.

Participants also discussed characteristics such as buoyancy capacity and the need for life jackets to be appropriate for the intended users and conditions.

Strengthening standards, quality assurance and public awareness was identified as an important component of improving safety for people who use Uganda’s water bodies.

The 3,000 Campaign

Kalanzi introduced the 3,000 Campaign, a community mobilisation initiative built around the estimated annual burden of approximately 3,000 drowning deaths in Uganda, as discussed during the café.

The campaign aims to mobilise 3,000 people to take action on drowning prevention. It seeks to build a network of people who can contribute to water safety through swimming and rescue skills, promotion of life-jacket use, community education and support for prevention activities.

The campaign reflects SwimSafe Uganda’s broader emphasis on community participation and local capacity as essential components of a sustainable drowning-prevention response.

Key challenges identified

The presentation identified several challenges affecting drowning prevention:

High exposure to water bodies, particularly among lakeside, island and fishing communities.
Limited swimming and rescue skills among community members.
Inadequate access to appropriate safety equipment, including reliable life jackets.
Gaps in life-jacket standards and quality assurance, making it difficult for users to assess the reliability of available equipment.
Limited community awareness of drowning risks and prevention measures.
Limited local capacity for emergency response in some high-risk communities.
The need for stronger community ownership of drowning prevention initiatives.

Priority areas for action

The presentation highlighted several areas for strengthening drowning prevention:

Expand community-based training

Increase access to swimming, rescue, first aid and pre-hospital care training, particularly in high-risk lakeside and island communities.

Strengthen life-jacket standards and quality assurance

Work with relevant authorities to strengthen standards, inspection and enforcement so that life jackets available to communities meet appropriate safety requirements.

Promote consistent use of life jackets

Increase awareness and practical support for the use of appropriate life jackets among fishermen, boat operators, passengers and other people who work or travel on water.

Strengthen community mobilisation

Support the 3,000 Campaign and related community initiatives to build local ownership and increase the number of people with knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to drowning.

Expand public education

Integrate drowning-prevention messages into schools, community activities, media initiatives and other public-awareness platforms.

Strengthen partnerships

Continue collaboration among SwimSafe Uganda, the Marine Police, Fire Department, health workers, local leaders, researchers, civil society organisations and communities.

Support research and data collection

Invest in further research and improved drowning surveillance to establish the scale and causes of drowning, identify high-risk populations and locations, and inform targeted prevention interventions.

The presentation highlighted the particular vulnerability of lakeside communities and communities that depend on water for transport, fishing, and other economic activities.

Aliga Cliff Asha,

Mr. Aliga Cliff Asha

Presentation by Aliga Cliff Asher

Aliga Cliff Asher, an Emergency and Critical Care Specialist representing the Uganda National Emergency Registration Council, presented efforts to strengthen resuscitation services and equip communities and health workers with basic life-saving skills. His presentation placed particular emphasis on communities living and working around lakes, rivers and other water bodies, where drowning and other emergencies are more likely to occur.

The initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of first responders to provide immediate assistance during the critical period between an emergency and the arrival of professional medical help.

Strengthening Resuscitation in Uganda

The initiative aims to promote and regulate resuscitation training in Uganda and expand access to basic life-saving skills. Resuscitation involves emergency interventions used to restore or support vital functions when a person’s life is at risk, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other measures that support breathing and circulation.

Aliga emphasized that the first few minutes after an accident or medical emergency are critical. Training people who are likely to be present when emergencies occur can therefore strengthen the immediate response and potentially improve survival.

Role of the Resuscitation Council

The Uganda National Emergency Registration Council is working to establish a framework for regulating resuscitation training in Uganda and to strengthen coordination among medical associations and other stakeholders.

A key focus is developing a network of trained community first responders. These do not necessarily have to be health professionals. They can include students, boat riders, fishermen, market vendors, teachers, security personnel, health workers and other community members.

The approach is designed to provide people with practical skills that can be used immediately while professional emergency services are being mobilised.

Resuscitation and Drowning

Aliga explained that drowning compromises a person’s ability to breathe and can rapidly lead to a lack of oxygen, brain injury and death if assistance is delayed.

The presentation therefore highlighted the importance of early recognition and intervention at the scene of a drowning incident. People who are present should be able to identify an emergency and provide appropriate basic assistance while awaiting professional care.

Training people living and working around lakes, rivers and other water bodies was identified as an important component of strengthening Uganda’s drowning response.

Training First Responders and Trainers

Aliga reported that the council has trained more than 5,000 people across Uganda in resuscitation and basic emergency response skills. Training continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing the programme to maintain its focus on expanding life-saving capacity during a period of significant pressure on health systems.

The initiative is also using a training-of-trainers approach, with the aim of developing people who can pass these skills on to others. This model is intended to expand the reach of resuscitation training and build a wider network of first responders.

Strengthening Health Worker Capacity

The presentation also highlighted efforts to strengthen resuscitation training among health workers. Aliga reported that discussions with the Ministry of Health have focused on developing guidelines and systems that could support mandatory resuscitation training for designated groups.

The initiative aims to have the required guidelines and systems in place within one year.

The presentation also referred to a World Health Organization standard concerning basic emergency care training among hospital staff. Expanding the number of health workers with these skills is expected to strengthen emergency response within health facilities and improve the immediate care provided to patients.

Linking Health Facilities with Communities

A major component of the approach is to connect health facilities with the communities they serve. Trained health workers can share basic emergency response knowledge with community members, particularly those living around water bodies and in other areas where accidents are common.

This community-based model recognizes that many emergencies occur outside health facilities and that community members may be the first people available to provide assistance.

Road and Water-Related Emergencies

Aliga highlighted concerns about deaths associated with water-related and road traffic accidents. Delays in receiving assistance, combined with limited knowledge of basic emergency response among people at the scene, can increase the risk of preventable deaths and complications.

Strengthening first-response capacity was therefore identified as an important component of improving emergency preparedness and response.

Key Challenges

The presentation identified several challenges that need to be addressed:

Limited numbers of trained first responders in communities.
The need for standardized national resuscitation guidelines.
The need to establish mandatory resuscitation training for designated groups.
Limited emergency response capacity in some communities.
The scale of the population requiring training across Uganda.
Limited public awareness of basic life-saving skills.
The need for sustained coordination among government, health professionals, communities and other stakeholders.

Action Plan

The immediate priority identified by the initiative is to develop resuscitation guidelines and establish systems to support mandatory resuscitation training for designated groups, including health workers, within one year.

Other priorities include:

Expand training of community first responders.
Increase the number of trainers able to train others.
Prioritize communities around water bodies and other accident-prone areas.
Strengthen links between health facilities and surrounding communities.
Increase public awareness of basic emergency response and life-saving skills.
Monitor and evaluate the reach and impact of resuscitation training.
Strengthen emergency response capacity for road and water-related accidents.

The presentation reinforced the importance of integrating community preparedness, health-system capacity and emergency response into Uganda’s broader efforts to reduce preventable deaths from drowning and other emergencies.

MUKANDUTIYE MARIA GORRETI

Ms Makandutiye Mariah Gorreti

Testimony from a Bereaved Family Member

Maria Makandutiye Gorreti, a resident of Siliva Village in Buvuma District, shared her experience of losing her father to drowning in 2007.

Maria said her father left to go fishing but never returned after drowning. She was 17 years old at the time and was living with her younger brother. Their mother had died earlier, before the family came to Uganda from Rwanda following the 1994 genocide, leaving the two children without their parents or close relatives to support them.

Following their father’s death, Maria and her brother had no immediate family support. Neighbours stepped in to help with food and school fees, enabling the children to continue with their lives despite the loss.

Maria’s testimony illustrated the effects of drowning beyond the loss of life. For families dependent on a parent or other household member for care and income, a drowning can create immediate financial, social and emotional challenges. Her experience also demonstrated the importance of community support in helping families cope with the consequences of drowning.

Struggle for Survival

Mr. Nsubuga Moses

Drowning Survivor Testimony – Nsubuga Moses

Nsubuga Moses, commonly known as Kawonawo, shared his experience of surviving a boat accident on Lake Victoria in April 2007. He was travelling with two colleagues from Garam Island to Kenya to transport timber when their boat encountered difficult conditions.

The Incident

Moses said the lake was unstable that evening, with strong winds and large waves. At around 9:00 p.m., heavy waves struck the boat near the engine, affecting its operation and causing the vessel to change direction from its intended route.

As the waves intensified, the boat began taking in water. The three occupants tried to keep it afloat by removing water from inside the boat and throwing some of the timber overboard to reduce its weight.

Moses said they tried to find ways to save themselves, but communication was difficult because there was no mobile network coverage in the area, leaving them unable to call for help.

The boat eventually overturned, throwing all three occupants into Lake Victoria.

Moses’s testimony highlighted the risks faced by people who depend on water transport for their livelihoods and movement. His experience also demonstrated the importance of weather awareness, appropriate safety equipment, reliable communication, preparedness and timely emergency response for communities living and working around Uganda’s water bodies.

The testimony reinforced the need for drowning-prevention interventions that combine community education and preparedness with stronger emergency-response systems and access to practical life-saving skills.

STORIES FROM THE CAFE

Experts Call For Attention to Injuries On Water :: Uganda Radionetwork https://ugandaradionetwork.net/story/beyond-drowning-experts-call-for-attention-to-injury-on-water

Moses Kalanzi, Executive Director of Swim Safe Uganda, says communities must be equipped to respond to drowning emergencies.

– https://sanyufm.com/deadly-waters-why-uganda-is-losing-thousands-to-drowning/

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/simon-chris-makanga-442937155_3000campaign-activity-7505280947357900800-c8-

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