By Editorial,
A series of tragic student drowning’s in Ugandan schools has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for government regulation of swimming facilities.
In the past three months alone, two learners have died in school swimming pools, including incidents at Seeta High School and St. Mary’s College, Kisubi. Yet, these are not isolated cases; swimming pool-related deaths in schools date back as far as 2012.
Besides deaths recorded in school pools, National data shows an average of eight to nine drowning deaths daily, with children under 10 years accounting for roughly 20 per cent of fatalities.
A study by Makerere University’s School of Public Health estimates that around 3,000 lives are lost to drowning each year.
Despite the growing concern, the Ministry of Education has remained largely silent. Hasadu Kirabira, the chairperson of the National Private Education Institution Association, described the deaths as tragic but preventable if schools and authorities diligently fulfil their responsibilities.
Mr. Kirabira Speaking…..
Critics suggest that the government’s silence may be influenced by a conflict of interest, as several elite schools with swimming pools are linked to influential figures, including the Ministry of Education. END
