Bugweri, Uganda: Police in Bugweri District are investigating a tragic drowning incident in which a 17-year-old boy, identified as Massai Owen Herbert, lost his life after going swimming with friends in a swamp at Busanabuto Village, Bumoozi Parish, Buyanga Sub-county.
According to Busoga East Police Spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha, the incident occurred on the morning of Tuesday, November 4, 2025, when the deceased and his peers went to the swamp to swim, unaware of the danger that awaited.
“Initial findings suggest that at around 8:30 a.m., the deceased and his friends went swimming in a swamp before he drowned and disappeared. His friends immediately reported to police for help,” ASP Kasadha said in a Tuesday statement.
Police detectives responded swiftly to the scene and retrieved the body, which was later taken to Iganga General Hospital mortuary at Nakavule for a postmortem examination.
“The scene of crime was visited by a team of detectives, and the body was retrieved and taken to Iganga Hospital mortuary for postmortem,” Kasadha confirmed.
ASP Kasadha used the incident to caution parents and guardians to guide their children and discourage them from swimming in ungazetted water bodies, stressing that such habits have become a major cause of preventable deaths in rural communities.
“We urge members of the public, particularly parents, to warn their children against swimming in ungazetted places. It is risky and life-threatening,” he said.
Residents of Busanabuto Village described the deceased as a friendly and active teenager. His sudden death has left the community in shock, with local leaders calling for more public safety education and community awareness campaigns to prevent similar tragedies.
“This is not the first time we’ve lost a child to drowning here,” said one local elder. “We need community sensitization so that children understand the risks of these swamps.”
Police said investigations into the incident are ongoing, and a report will be filed with the District Security Committee for follow-up action.
The incident comes at a time when Uganda continues to grapple with frequent drowning incidents, especially among youth who swim in unregulated rivers, lakes, and swamps without supervision.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2024, the Marine Police Division recorded 119 drowning cases, making it the most prevalent water-related fatality reported nationwide.
Other maritime crimes that year included 34 cases of robbery on water, and six cases each of armed robbery and boat capsizing.
However, police estimate that only about 40% of drowning cases are officially reported, suggesting the real figures could be much higher. Many incidents go unreported, especially in remote areas, as families often retrieve and bury victims without involving authorities.
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