Authorities in Uganda are calling on citizens especially those living in flood-prone urban areas like Kampala to acquire swimming skills as a vital measure in curbing the rising number of drowning deaths.

The appeal comes ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on July 25. Dr. Charles Luzige, Assistant Commissioner for Maritime Monitoring at the Ministry of Works and Transport, emphasized that while the government is working on infrastructure upgrades, individual readiness remains key.

“Flood mitigation projects are underway, but citizens also have a role to play. Swimming should be viewed not just as recreation, but as an essential life-saving skill when all else fails,” Luzige said.

To strengthen disaster response efforts, the government is setting up a national network of search and rescue centers, centrally coordinated from Entebbe. Luzige also urged residents to monitor weather forecasts closely and take an active role during emergencies.

Kampala continues to face recurring urban floods, with hotspots such as the Clock Tower area and Meat Packers frequently affected. Luzige confirmed that efforts are ongoing to improve drainage systems in these vulnerable zones to reduce the risk of future calamities.

A recent nationwide risk assessment has informed the placement of rescue units in areas including Panyimur, Kaisotonya, and Lake Kyoga. Districts such as Masaka, Mayuge, Kyotera, Soroti, Rakai, and Serere have been identified as high-risk for drowning incidents.

Experts now warn that drowning has become one of the country’s leading public health threats. Dr. Frederick O