A Kampala International University student has drowned at Itanda Falls in Butagaya Sub-county, Jinja District, prompting local authorities to halt all activities at the popular tourism site.
The victim, Franco Maino, 25, a resident of Kakira Town Council, had reportedly visited the falls with colleagues on Saturday when he attempted to swim in the fast-flowing waters and was swept away by the rapids.
Part of Maino's drowning was captured on camera. The brief clip shows the student struggling against the fast-flowing water. Four onlookers get concerned and call for help seemingly from lifesavers employed at the waterfall.
But the do not onlookers appear helpless beyond frantically calling for help.
Jinja Deputy Resident District Commissioner Hassan Kasibante confirmed the incident and described it as a painful loss to the family and the academic community.
He said the tragedy follows several similar incidents at Itanda and neighbouring Busowoko Falls, raising fresh concerns about safety standards for both tourists and local visitors.
Kasibante said the district has suspended all operations and tourist activities at Itanda Falls with immediate effect as authorities conduct a full investigation.
He said the suspension will remain in force as the Uganda Police, NEMA, the District Security Committee and other agencies review safety protocols.
The temporary closure will allow a reassessment of risk management measures at Itanda, one of Uganda’s prime adventure tourism sites, especially popular for white-water rafting and nature excursions.
Uganda continues to record a high number of drowning incidents, particularly in natural water bodies.
According to the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Uganda Police Marine Unit, more than 1,200 people drown annually across the country, with lakes, rivers and poorly regulated recreational sites identified as major hotspots.
Many cases occur during swimming, fishing, boating and informal transport activities, often linked to limited safety enforcement, inadequate signage, and low public awareness of water risks.
In recent years, the government, NGOs and private operators have launched multiple drowning-prevention efforts, including mandatory life jackets on water transport vessels, marine safety training, community sensitisation campaigns, and the establishment of Water Safety Committees in high-risk districts.
However, enforcement gaps and rising domestic tourism continue to expose many people to hazardous water environments.
Local leaders in Jinja say the closure of Itanda Falls will remain in place until authorities complete investigations and strengthen preventive measures to minimise further loss of life at the increasingly popular but risky attraction.
Itanda Falls, located along the River Nile in Butagaya Sub-county, Jinja District, is one of Uganda’s most prominent adventure tourism sites, known for its powerful grade five rapids that attract white-water rafters, kayakers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
The site has grown increasingly popular in recent years as domestic tourism expands, but the strength of the currents and lack of fully regulated safety infrastructure have also made it a high-risk location.
Several drowning incidents have been recorded there and at neighbouring Busowoko Falls, prompting repeated calls for stricter safety measures, improved signage and closer supervision of recreational activities.
