The Health-advocating Civil Society Organizations have renewed efforts to raise awareness about drowning prevention, one of the leading causes of death in Uganda, ranking among the top four killers. The organizations efforts follow a recent Makerere University study revealing that approximately 3,000 people die from drowning in Uganda each year, equivalent to about nine fatalities daily.
A Ministry of Works and Transport official announced during a media engagement this week in Kampala that drowning is now recognized as a public health issue, and a national drowning prevention program is being developed. The official emphasized that water safety will be prioritized, similar to road transport, and advocated for mandatory swimming lessons in schools. “The first line of safety starts with you,” he said, highlighting the importance of starting water safety education from a young age.
Drowning deaths disproportionately affect lakeside districts like Masaka, Kyotera, Mayuge, Kalangala, Serere, and Rakai, accounting for around 70% of fatalities. However, incidents also occur in unexpected places, such as homes and communities, often during flooding, particularly in cities.
Emmanuel Balinda, Drowning Prevention Manager at Reach A Hand Uganda, at the same function, said that approximately 300,000 people die from drowning globally, emphasizing that this staggering number makes it an issue that cannot be ignored. Balinda stated that in their area of operation, covering Masaka, Mayuge, and Rakai districts, they have initiated swim instruction programs, teaching communities and school children how to swim.
“The statistics from Makerere University School of Health are really worrying, which is why we’ve joined forces with stakeholders like the Ministry of Transport. We’ve built swimming pools in the first three districts and trained instructors, with plans to expand our operations.” Balinda noted.
Balinda added that they have also launched the “Omanyi Okuwuga” campaign, meaning “Do You Know How to Swim?”, aiming to expand it nationwide to reduce drowning fatalities. “I kindly ask each person listening to learn survival swimming – being able to swim 25 meters and float for 30 seconds can be enough to save your life in an emergency,” Balinda urged.
Joanita Afoyorwoth, Media and Communications at JDC, said her organization is taking a leading role in advocating for increased health awareness to combat drowning, a growing concern in Uganda. “We need journalists to amplify stories on drowning prevention, as it’s a growing public health concern, especially in areas like Kampala where people die during rainfall. We’ll empower journalists to report accurately and knowledgeably on this issue,” Afoyorwoth said.
Justice and Development Council-JDC are collaborating with various organizations, including the Ministry of Works and Transport, Design without Borders, Reach A Hand Uganda, Safe Transport, and Survivor Support Uganda, among others, to spearhead the drowning prevention awareness in Uganda.
BY Daily Press Team