Buyende, Uganda: The body of a 9-year-old boy has been retrieved from Lake Kyoga in Buyende District, two days after he was reported missing.
The deceased, Buyinza James, a pupil at a local school, disappeared on April 21, 2026, after leaving home for school but failing to return, triggering a frantic search by family members and the community.
Police confirmed that the body was discovered on April 23 at around 1:00 PM at Butambuka Beach along Lake Kyoga.
According to preliminary findings, the child is suspected to have drowned, possibly while playing near the lakeshore, although investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Samson Lubega, the Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident and called for heightened vigilance among parents and guardians.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss and extend our condolences to the family. It is crucial that we take steps to ensure our children are safe, particularly near water bodies,” he said.
The tragedy adds to a growing number of drowning incidents across Uganda, particularly in communities located near lakes and rivers.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, dozens of drowning cases are recorded each year, with children forming a significant proportion of the victims due to limited supervision and proximity to water bodies.
Authorities warn that such incidents are often preventable through closer parental supervision, community awareness, and improved safety measures around water points.
The incident has left the community in shock, with residents calling for stronger safeguards to protect children.
“This is a tragic reminder of the dangers our children face every day. We need to do more to keep them safe,” one local resident said.
Police say inquiries are ongoing to determine the exact cause of death and whether any additional factors contributed to the incident.
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