A Senior Four student of Lake Bunyonyi Senior Secondary School in Rubanda District has drowned in Lake Bunyonyi after attempting to swim across the lake.
The deceased has been identified as Amanya Samuel, 22, a student at the school located on Bwama Island.
According to police, the incident occurred at about 11am on Saturday between Itambira and Bwama islands.
Police said Amanya had paddled a canoe from Katoma to Itambira Island and reached safely. However, when he wanted to return, he reportedly found that the canoe had been moved from where he had left it.
Police said Amanya then decided to swim across the lake, but drowned before reaching the other side.
Preliminary findings indicate that Amanya drowned, although police have opened an inquiry to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Kigezi Region police spokesperson, SP Nelson Tumushime, described the incident as tragic and conveyed condolences to the deceased’s family, school administration and fellow students.
Police urged parents, guardians, school administrators and community members to caution students against swimming in deep waters of Lake Bunyonyi without adult supervision and appropriate life jackets.
Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s major tourism attractions, is surrounded by several islands and is frequently used by residents and visitors for canoe transport and other water activities.
