Two Children Drown in Kampala's Heavy Rains, One Electrocuted

Police has registered a series of three separate unfortunate events on October 16, 2023, which resulted in the loss of precious lives.

In Kirombe Butabiika, on that fateful day, at approximately 4 PM, Amanya John Baptist, a 7-year-old student at St. James Biina Primary School and the son of Sevimbi John Mary, experienced a tragic accident. Following heavy rainfall, the young boy accidentally fell into a fast-running water channel that swiftly carried him away. Tragically, his lifeless body was later recovered from Kirombe zone B, Butabiika.

Upon receiving the report, the Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) and Homicide team visited the scene, and the young boy’s body was conveyed to the mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

In another unfortunate incident at Ntinda Police Barracks, retired AIP Olanya Christopher lost his life. Olanya, who had been preparing to move to Gulu, was tragically electrocuted while attempting to rescue his daughter and son, who had been shocked by an electrical malfunction. Tragically, he was barefoot at the time, which left him vulnerable to the deadly electric shock.

Olanya’s body was promptly conveyed to City Mortuary Mulago for a post-mortem examination as investigations into the incident continue.

In Nansana Division, a tragic incident of death by drowning occurred on the same day. Mukisa Favour, a child, lost her life tragically. Her mother, Nabukenya Halima, reported that after a rainfall, her daughter requested to play with other children. When her mother followed shortly after, she could not locate Mukisa. A search revealed that the child had been seen heading towards a water channel, and it was later discovered that she had drowned.

The Nansana Police opened a case file, visited the scene at Katooke A zone, recorded statements from the reporter and witnesses, and subsequently conveyed the body to City Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

According to the mother, Mukisa Favour had initially requested to play with other children across the water channel, but the unfortunate incident unfolded, resulting in the loss of her life. Bystanders discovered the body and promptly contacted the police.

ASP Luke Owoyesigyire Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police revealed that different police stations within the jurisdiction where the incidents occurred responded promptly, conducting thorough investigations and taking the necessary actions.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with the affected families during this incredibly difficult time. The Kampala Metropolitan Police is committed to ensuring that thorough investigations are conducted in each of these cases to shed light on the circumstances and provide answers to the families of the victims," Owoyesigyire said.