Three people have drowned in an artificial well in Mengo ward, South Division of Koboko Municipality. According to Josephine Angucia, the West Nile regional police spokesperson said the drowning occurred at around 12:00 noon on Boxing day.
“It’s alleged that the three men drowned in a shallow well at Grina Gardens Hotel while trying to pump water to the tank using a generator. The first to die while attempting to pump water to the tank was Zamali Edward male adult 38 years old, self-employed, resident of Olengaku village, Aunaga Parish, Dranya Subcounty, Koboko district,” Angucia said.
Police said the other two died Candia Bosco, a male adult, 36 years, Lugbara by tribe, a builder, and resident of Lipa cell Mengo Ward. Another person who drowned has been identified as Dramile Robert male adult of 23 years, Lugbara, a watchman at Grina Gardens, and a resident of Lipa cell was the last to die by drowning in an attempt to rescue the above two.
“It was observed that the shallow water well which is owned by the proprietor of the hotel is too deep about 13 fits down with water-clogged steps which are suspected to have made Zamari Edward to slide and drowned followed by his rescuers. Inquiries continue under Koboko Death Enquiry File number 08/2022,” Angucia said.
Police upon receiving information from the Chef at Grina Gardens sent a team of police officers rushed to the scene, and cordoned it off. The Community and Proprietor of Grina Gardens joined the police rescue team from Fire Brigade West Nile Region, to retrieve the bodies.
“We advise people who own artificial water wells on their compound to be careful with them, and they should be locked all the time after use in order to prevent such deadly accidents of drowning in them,” Angucia said.