Activists are advocating for survival swimming skills to be integrated into Uganda’s school curriculum as a critical step to combat the country’s alarming near-drowning and drowning rates.
The proposal was unveiled during the launch of a drowning prevention initiative in Masaka City on Friday, targeting three districts with the highest drowning incidents, Mayuge, Masaka, and Rakai.
The project, spearheaded by Reach a Hand Uganda, aims to equip communities, particularly those along lakeshores, with essential water safety and rescue skills.
Benson Muhindo, Country Director of Reach a Hand Uganda, announced efforts to develop a standardised swimming curriculum.
“This initiative is about saving lives,” he said, adding “No parent should lose a child to a preventable tragedy. No fisherman should face unnecessary risks, and no young person should feel unsafe near water.”
The program has already trained 45 instructors who will work with schools and communities in the three districts. Dedicated community pools will serve as training grounds, ensuring both children and adults acquire these lifesaving skills.
Uganda’s Grim Drowning Statistics
Dr. Fredrick Oporia, Executive Director of the Makerere School of Public Health Center for Trauma, Injury, and Disability, highlighted the gravity of Uganda’s drowning crisis.
Research reveals that the country loses nearly 3,000 lives annually to drowning, equivalent to about nine people per day. Many cases go unreported, especially in rural areas.
A 2018 survey identified lakeside fishing communities as the most affected, with drowning rates of 502 deaths per 100,000 people. Nationwide, the rate stands at 8.5 per 100,000, one of the highest globally.
Young people in productive age groups, especially those engaged in fishing or collecting water, are the most vulnerable. Alarmingly, many fatalities occur during rescue attempts by individuals lacking proper training.
According to Dr. Oporia, it is important to have survival skills, safe water sources, and basic first aid, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
He urged the government to act swiftly, noting that these interventions could significantly reduce drowning deaths.
The Ministry of Water and Environment is expected to unveil Uganda’s first national drowning prevention strategy in March next year.
Government Support
Representing the Ministry of Water and Environment, Eng. Sowedi Ssewagudde, Commissioner for International and Transboundary Water Affairs, praised the collaborative effort.
He commended milestones such as district-level technical working groups and the development of the swimming curriculum, which aim to equip at-risk communities with critical skills.
“I call upon everyone to raise awareness, promote water safety, educate children about the dangers of water bodies, and advocate for policies prioritising drowning prevention,” said Ssewagudde, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting the initiative.
Drowning Hotspots
The research revealed that Mayuge leads with the highest drowning rate of over 24 per 100,000 people, followed by Rakai (13 per 100,000) and Masaka (6 per 100,000). For comparison, some countries have rates as low as 0.01 per 100,000.
With the implementation of this project and its comprehensive approach to swimming education and safety awareness, activists hope Uganda can drastically reduce these numbers and save countless lives.
END.
English 