RUBANDA UGANDA: Police in Rubanda District are investigating an incident in which a 22-year-old Senior Four student drowned in Lake Bunyonyi on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026.
The deceased has been identified as Amanya Samuel, a Senior Four student at Lake Bunyonyi Senior Secondary School in Bwama.
According to police, the incident occurred at around 11 a.m. between Itambira and Bwama Islands. It is alleged that Amanya had paddled a canoe from Katoma to Itambira Island and arrived safely.
However, when he was preparing to return, he reportedly found that the canoe had been taken from the place where he had left it.
Police say he then decided to swim across the lake, believing he could make it to the other side, but drowned before reaching Bwama Island.
The Police Marine Unit, together with local divers, responded to the scene and retrieved the body from the lake.
Preliminary findings indicate that the deceased drowned, although police have opened an inquiry to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Nelson Tumushime, confirmed the incident and conveyed condolences to the deceased’s family, school administration and fellow students.
Police are also appealing to parents, guardians, school administrators and the community to caution students against swimming in the deep waters of Lake Bunyonyi without adult supervision and appropriate life-saving jackets.
CUE IN SP NELSON TUMUSHIME ON THE MATTER — RR/ENG
My relationship with water ends from the bathroom
God save your people