Marine Police Urge Ugandans to Acquire Swimming and Water Rescue Skills

What the report says

Uganda’s Marine Police, working with partner organisations, are stepping up drowning-prevention efforts and urging the public to learn basic swimming, water safety and rescue skills. The campaign is aimed at reducing deaths in lakes, rivers and swimming pools, which officials say continue to occur across the country. The appeal comes as authorities and stakeholders keep highlighting the risks of water-related accidents, including boat mishaps and pool incidents.

According to the National Drowning Programme, limited swimming ability and weak knowledge of safety practices remain major obstacles to preventing avoidable deaths. Bashir Sibira, who coordinates the programme at Marine Police, said practical swimming and rescue knowledge can help people recognize danger and respond more effectively in emergencies. The broader message from police is that drowning prevention should involve the public, not only law enforcement.

The article also includes the view of Percy Mwamba, who said the loss of his child in a school swimming pool accident showed the importance of supervision and safety measures around water. His comments underscore the human impact of drowning incidents and the need for institutions such as schools to be better prepared.

Swim Safe Uganda and other non-governmental groups are supporting the campaign through community education. Executive Director Moses Kalanzi said changing attitudes, especially in communities near water bodies, remains difficult where drowning has become normalized. Stakeholders are also seeking support for life jackets and rescue equipment, with particular concern for island communities such as those in Buvuma District. More broadly, the effort reflects a growing push in Uganda for coordinated drowning prevention and practical water-safety training.