An eight-year-old Primary One pupil from Mubuku Primary School has died after drowning in River Mubuku in Kasese District, following a heavy downpour in the Rwenzori Mountains.
The victim, identified as Magambo Innocent, was reportedly playing with friends near the riverbank around 7:00 p.m. when he was swept away by the surging waters. Authorities say the river had burst its banks after heavy rainfall in the mountains.
Rwenzori East Region Police Spokesperson, SP Nelson Tumushime, confirmed the incident. He said the body was recovered about 200 meters downstream at Mubuku Prisons Maize Farm by a team of officers led by ASP Stephen Tukumubona, the Officer in Charge of Mubuku Police Station, with assistance from local residents.
The tragic incident has left the school community in shock. Teachers and pupils at Mubuku Primary School are mourning the loss of their young classmate.
Police have issued a renewed warning to parents and guardians to be extra cautious during the rainy season.
“We continue to urge parents to prevent children from playing along these dangerous rivers, which pose a serious risk to our communities particularly River Nyamwamba, River Mubuku, and their tributaries,” said SP Tumushime.
This incident adds to a growing number of drownings in the Rwenzori sub-region, where seasonal floods have made rivers increasingly hazardous.
Police said there were no signs of foul play and have categorized the case as a tragic accident. The body has been handed over to the family for burial.
