Three people including a four months old baby were killed by floods in Mutungo in Nakawa Division, a Kampala suburb Wednesday morning following a heavy downpour.
The three bodies were recovered in two separate houses that collapsed in Mutungo zone 11 and zone 12. Police have identified the deceased as Emmanuel Kayanga 20 and his brother Kanani Bujjo 25, who were staying in one makeshift structure that collapsed at around 1:00 am.
The third victim is a four-month-old Praise Mugezi, who perished in another temporary house that collapsed on the entire family on the same night.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, says that police suspect that the deceased could have been in contact with live electric wires.
“We suspect these people could have died as a result of electrocution. The two bodies have been taken to the city mortuary Mulago for Post-mortem as we investigate the exact cause of death while the minor’s body had already been taken by the parents by the time our teams arrived at the scene,” Owoyesigyire said.
Nakawa East Member of Parliament, Engineer Ronald Balimwezo told Uganda Radio Network that the floods destroyed several homes leaving several people stranded. He blames the floods on the wetland encroachers.
Police have since called upon residents in low-lying areas to stay vigilant, especially in this rainy season.
“We appeal to members of the public to avoid sleeping in temporary structures especially when they are in low-lying areas that are easily flooded during this rainy season, we shall work with their local leaders to find temporary homes for them as these rains proceed,” Owoyesigyire said.