A nine-year-old boy has died in a suspected drowning along the shores of Lake Kyoga, in a case that has once again raised concerns over child safety near water bodies.
The deceased, identified as James Buyinza, was a primary school pupil and son of Stephen Siringi, a resident of Bugembe Village in Nsomba Parish, Kagulu Sub-county.
According to Busoga North Regional Police Spokesperson Samson Lubega, the incident occurred on April 21, 2026, at Butambuka Beach.
Police in Buyende District are investigating the suspected drowning, with preliminary findings indicating that the child left his home in the morning heading to school but never returned.
His disappearance raised alarm among family members and the community. At approximately 1:00 PM, the boy’s body was discovered at the lakeshore near Bulambula Beach, where authorities believe he drowned.
Police have since launched investigations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the child ended up at the lakeshore during school hours.
“This is a deeply unfortunate incident, and we are working to determine what exactly transpired,” Lubega said.
The tragic death has sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents calling for increased safety measures, particularly for children living near large water bodies like Lake Kyoga.
Police have also used the incident to urge parents and guardians to be more vigilant in monitoring children’s movements, especially in areas prone to such hazards.
“We appeal to parents and guardians to keep a close watch on their children and ensure they are safe at all times, especially those residing near lakes, rivers, and other water sources,” Lubega emphasized.
Drowning remains a significant public safety concern in many parts of Uganda, particularly in lakeside communities where children often have easy and unsupervised access to water.