Masaka leaders caution fishermen over careless water-safety practices

What the report says

The Independent Uganda reported that leaders in Masaka District used a World Drowning Prevention Day event at Lambu Fishing Site in Bukakata sub-county to warn fishermen and lakeshore residents against unsafe practices on the water. The Saturday gathering, held under the theme “Unite to Turn the Tide,” brought together community members, local officials and representatives from national departments to promote habits intended to reduce drowning deaths.

According to the report, the outreach was organised by Reach A Hand Africa, formerly Reach A Hand Uganda, as part of a week of drowning-prevention activities under the Omanyi Okuwuga campaign. The project, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, is operating in the high-risk districts of Mayuge, Rakai and Masaka. Activities included school outreach sessions, dialogues in Mayuge and Rakai, and in Masaka a procession through Lambu Fishing Site followed by a community discussion.

Local leaders said preventable risks remain common among fishing communities. Lambu village representative Ismail Kayemba said the area had recently lost three people to drowning, while area councillor Sebuli Vincent cited fishermen going onto the lake without life jackets, using boats after drinking alcohol, and operating vessels in poor mechanical condition. Reach A Hand Africa programme officer Aamyo Angel and Masaka District Health Officer Dr Faith Nakiyingi also stressed that children and residents need better supervision and basic water-safety knowledge, including around smaller hazards such as ponds and drainage channels.

The report said Masaka District Fisheries Officer George Ntare pledged closer coordination with the Police Marine Unit on enforcement, while LC5 chairperson John Kakande backed a proposal for a local swimming facility to teach survival skills. The article also cited Makerere University and WHO figures indicating that drowning is a significant public-health concern in Uganda and globally.