In a heart-wrenching incident, Moses Kusasira, a nine-year-old pupil from Busabala Primary School, lost his life to the cold waves of Lake Victoria. The mishap occurred while he was swimming along the shores of this vast lake.
The said event transpired on a Wednesday afternoon in the Busabala-Kazi zone of Makindye Ssabagabo Division, located in the Wakiso District. Official reports state the incident was brought to the attention of the Kibira Police authorities at around 1:30pm, which they immediately acted upon.
Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy police spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan area, provided further details on the tragedy. According to him, the young Kusasira was in the company of his six-year-old sister, Joy Angel Namanya, also a student at Busabala Primary School, during the fatal swim.
Owoyesigyire revealed, “Despite stern warnings from their father, Kyakuwa Moses, a 46-year-old boda boda rider, about the dangers of swimming unsupervised, the siblings ventured into the water. Unfortunately, young Moses couldn’t make it back to shore.”
The police have recorded this as a case of suspected drowning. They have undertaken thorough investigations, with the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) having already assessed, documented, and sketched the area where the incident occurred.
As the aftermath of this tragedy unfolds, the remains of Moses have been moved to the city mortuary to undergo an autopsy. Meanwhile, his sister Joy, who fortunately survived the ordeal, has been admitted to Mulago Hospital to receive necessary medical attention.
Owoyesigyire informed that witnesses’ statements, including that from the children’s biological father, have been taken. The police are making rigorous efforts to glean every piece of information that can provide clarity on this sorrowful occurrence.
In the wake of this lamentable incident, Owoyesigyire took the opportunity to advise the public, emphasizing the role of parents and guardians. He said, “It’s paramount for guardians to exercise extreme caution when their wards are around water bodies. Proper supervision is not just advisable, but essential.”
This tragedy stands as a grim reminder of the dangers lurking in everyday activities and underscores the importance of adult supervision for children, especially near potentially perilous sites like large water bodies.