Budaka, (UG):- A tragic incident unfolded in Budaka district as a herdsman, identified only as John, lost his life in a drowning accident in the waters of River Namatala prompting the local police to launch a search for his relatives to notify them of the unfortunate demise.
John, a Karimojong tribesman, was employed as a herdsman by Mr Nabwali Eric, the GISO (Government Internal Security Officer) of Budaka sub-county where he had been entrusted with the responsibility of tending to his boss’ cattle.
Eyewitnesses stated that on the evening of May 14, 2024, John went about his usual routine of grazing the livestock near the banks of River Namatala.
Tragically, he decided to take a swim in the river, which ended in a fatal drowning. “We saw him attempting to swim, but he suddenly vanished beneath the water’s surface,” recounted Okongo Vincent, an eyewitness present at the scene.
“Upon receiving the report, the Budaka district police immediately initiated a search operation, which lasted until Saturday when John’s lifeless body was discovered floating in the same river. The police swiftly arrived at the scene and subsequently transported the deceased to the mortuary in Mbale City,” SP Semewo Samuel, the North Bukedi Regional Police Spokesperson said on Saturday.
“During the process of recording statements, it was revealed that Mr Nabwali, John’s employer, had little knowledge of the herdsman’s personal background. It was discovered that John had been picked up from the streets by Mr Nabwali and employed as a herdsman without any information regarding his family or next of kin” he added.
As investigators delve into the matter, Semewo said ongoing efforts are being made by the police to trace John’s relatives. “We are diligently conducting inquiries and following leads to locate the family of the deceased,” he affirmed.
The case has been registered under the Criminal Records Book (CRB) number 156/2024, and the police are determined to unravel any further details surrounding the tragic incident.
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