Health
Mak Researchers Design National Drowning Prevention Strategy
By Joseph Odoi
Makerere University researchers under Trauma, Injuries and Disability (TRIAD) Unit) have designed a national drowning prevention strategy. This strategy comes at a time when there is sky rocketing cases of drowning in Africa.
Globally, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death; accounting for 7% of all injuries. Over 90% of the estimated 322,000 annual global drowning deaths occur in low-and middle-income countries.
Although the burden of drowning is believed to be highest in the WHO-African region, data collection and surveillance for drowning in African countries is limited.
In bid to contribute to data driven interventions, Makerere University researchers carried out a study aimed at establishing the availability of drowning data in district-level sources and understanding the reporting of and record keeping on drowning in Uganda.
As part of the study titled: Drowning in Uganda; examining data from administrative sources, researchers engaged various health stakeholders who shared their experiences about drowning and how it can be prevented in communities.
It is upon that background that scholars designed a contextual appropriate strategy for drowning prevention in Uganda under the project titled; Drowning in Uganda; examining data from administrative sources.
According to the researchers, this drowning strategy is first ever in Uganda. ‘’it will be a national document that will guide all the efforts on drowning prevention in the country; and will avoid non-coordinated activities aimed at prevention of drowning. the strategy will also provide for monitoring and evaluation of all activities and interventions for drowning prevention in the country since there will be a government lead agency tasked with this responsibility’ ’explained Mr. Fredrick Oporia who is part of the study team
STRATEGIES TO PREVENT DROWNING
In this study published on semantics scholar among other journals, the researchers came up with the following strategies to counter drowning;
• Setting and enforcing safe boating regulations. • Providing incentives that encourage adherence to boating regulations related to not overloading transport boats and increasing enforcement of boating regulations. • Ensuring boats are fit for purpose and increasing regular inspection of the seaworthiness of boats. • Improving detection and dissemination of information about the weather. • Supporting increased availability and use of lifejackets through subsidy, lifejacket loaner programs, and free lifejacket distribution programs. • Increasing sensitization about safe boating practices, the importance of wearing lifejackets, and limiting alcohol and illicit drug use when boating. Community members, especially children, are vulnerable to drowning in unsafe water sources such as ditches, latrines, wells, and dams. Potential interventions could include: • Modifying access to wells and dams to prevent children or adults from falling in. • Installing boreholes and pumps to enable community members to draw water safely.
Providing safe rescue and resuscitation training to community members and conducting refresher trainings. • Developing and providing low-cost rescue equipment such as boat fenders (rubber and ropes tied to boat on all sides that can assist in the immediate rescue of individuals) and buoyant throwing aids.
To enable ongoing design, implementation, and evaluation of drowning prevention efforts, the researchers note that it is essential to collect data on drowning incidents. Reporting of and record keeping on drowning in Uganda should also be improve according to the researchers namely; Tessa Clemens, Frederick Oporia, Erin M Parker, Merissa, A Yellman, Michael F Ballesteros and Olive Kobusingye
Other Potential interventions highlighted by the researchers include: • Providing records officers with proper training, equipment, and appropriate storage facilities. • Sensitizing the public on the importance of reporting all drowning cases to authorities.
As part of their study findings, the researchers noted that; A total of 1435 fatal and non-fatal drowning cases were recorded; 1009 (70%) in lakeside districts and 426 (30%) in non-lakeside districts.
Of 1292 fatal cases, 1041 (81%) were identified in only one source. After deduplication, 1283 (89% of recorded cases; 1160 fatal, 123 non-fatal) unique drowning cases remained. Data completeness varied by source and variable.
On demographics, fatal victims were predominantly male (85%), and the average age was 24 years. In lakeside districts, 81% of fatal cases with a known activity at the time of drowning involved boating.
What were people doing when they drowned?
Activity at the time of drowning in lakeside districts and non-lakeside districts
• Overall, boating was by far the most common activity that people were engaged in at the time of the drowning incident.
• Other common activities were collecting water/watering cattle and travelling on foot.
• The most common activities that people engaged in prior to drowning were similar in lakeside and non-lakeside districts. However, in non-lakeside districts, more drowning deaths occurred as a result of collecting water or watering cattle than as a result of boating in those districts.
• Almost half (48%) of all drownings occurred while the person was engaged in an occupational activity.
Of the 1,063 people who died from boating-related drowning or suffered a severe boating related drowning incident but survived, 1,007 (95%) were not wearing a lifejacket at the time of the incident.
Bathing in water bodies: Study participants indicated that drowning sometimes occurs when people are bathing in lakes, ponds, swamps, and valley dams. People can unexpectedly slip into deep water from shallower areas or rocks.
Crossing flooded rivers and streams:
Attempting to cross flooded rivers and streams during the rainy season was another cause of drowning identified by study participants.
“Currently, people cross from makeshift bridges such as that of round poles. When the river overflows, it covers them. So, you can’t see them; so, you just start guessing: ‘the pole might be here or there’ and in case your guess is wrong, you automatically drown and you will be gone.” an Interview respondent in Kabale district explained
Delayed rescue attempts: Study participants identified the importance of timely rescue and resuscitation to prevent death from drowning. However, they also indicated that community members lack knowledge on how to rescue someone who is drowning.
Alcohol use: Several participants identified alcohol use as a key risk factor for drowning. Participants stated that alcohol use is common, especially in fishing communities. “We have a problem with alcoholism. Many of our colleagues go to the waters when their minds are a bit twisted by the alcohol and on some occasions, this has caused accidents and some of them have drowned just like that.” – Interview respondent, Nakasongola district.
When asked on strategies of preventing drowning, participants suggested the following strategies for preventing drowning:
• Provide affordable and high-quality lifejackets to all water transport users and fishing communities. • Increase sensitization of fishermen and all water transport users on the importance of using lifejackets and avoiding alcohol while boating. • Provide subsidies for large and motorized boats that can be used for safe water travel and fishing to replace small and low-quality boats that are currently in use.
Inspect boats regularly to ensure they are in good travelling condition. • Recruit and deploy more marine police units on all major water bodies to enhance security and quick response to drowning incidents. • Install boat fenders (rubber and ropes tied to boat on all sides) to assist with the immediate rescue of individuals who are involved in a drowning incident. • Provide frequent and safe ferry services to enable water travellers access to safe transportation across rivers and lakes. • Avoid fishing during the moonlight periods to minimize hippopotamus attacks which are more frequent at that time.
“I think these fishermen really need lifejackets for their work and also need to be sensitized on how to manage the engine of the boats that they use for their work. In most cases, these men just learn how to use these boats without having been trained first.” – Interview respondent, Rakai district. Swimming and basic rescue skills said
Moving forward, the researchers recommend that since; drowning is a multisectoral issue, and all stakeholders (local and national government, water transport, water sport, education, fishing, health, and law enforcement) should coordinate to develop a national water safety strategy and action plan.
MORE ABOUT THE STUDY
The study was conducted in 60 districts of Uganda for a period of 2.5 years (from January 1st, 2016 to June 30th, 2018). In the first phase, records concerning 1,435 drowning cases were found in the 60 study districts.
In the second phase, a total of 2,066 drowning cases were identified in 14 districts by community health workers and confirmed through individual interviews with witnesses/family members/friends and survivors of drowning. This work was funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies through the CDC Foundation
A major milestone in Uganda’s efforts to reduce newborn mortality was marked on June 17, 2026, when Makerere University College of Health Sciences graduated the first cohort of fellows from the Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine Fellowship Programme.
The pioneering cohort of five specialists completed the two-year sub-specialty fellowship designed to equip pediatricians with advanced competencies in newborn care, leadership, research, advocacy, and neonatal intensive care. The programme is accredited by the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council and is implemented through a partnership involving Makerere University, Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital, Kawempe National Referral Hospital, St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, Seed Global Health and Elma Philanthropies.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Principal of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Bruce Kirenga, described the occasion as a significant achievement for Makerere University and Uganda’s health sector.
“Today is a very important occasion for the College of Health Sciences, and indeed the health sector in Uganda,” he said, noting that the fellowship was established to develop highly skilled specialists capable of responding to increasingly complex healthcare needs.
Prof. Kirenga emphasized that Uganda’s changing disease patterns, increasing life expectancy, and growing demand for specialized healthcare services have created an urgent need for super-specialized training programmes. He challenged the graduates to use their newly acquired knowledge and skills to improve newborn health outcomes and save lives.
Addressing Uganda’s Neonatal Health Burden
Presenting an overview of the fellowship programme, the Head of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Prof. Victor Musiime, highlighted the urgent need for specialists in neonatal care.
He noted that neonatal deaths, those occurring within the first 28 days of life, remain one of the leading contributors to child mortality in Uganda. The country continues to face a shortage of professionals with advanced skills in neonatal care, research, leadership, and advocacy.
“The demand for neonatologists remains extremely high,” Prof. Musiime explained, adding that the Ministry of Health envisions deploying neonatologists to regional referral hospitals and other health facilities across the country.
The fellowship programme was established to build a critical mass of neonatologists, strengthen care for high-risk newborns, develop expertise in advanced neonatal procedures, and produce leaders and advocates for newborn health.
A unique feature of the programme is its strong clinical apprenticeship model, complemented by international placements at leading institutions, including Yashoda Hospital in India and Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.
Ministry Commits to Expanding Neonatal Services
Representing the Ministry of Health, Commissioner for Maternal and Child Health, Dr. Richard Mugahi, congratulated the graduates and commended Makerere University and its partners for establishing the fellowship programme.
Dr. Mugahi revealed that the five graduates join another five neonatologists already serving in Uganda, bringing the country’s total number of neonatologists to ten. He described the locally trained fellows as a critical addition to Uganda’s healthcare workforce.
“The Ministry’s vision is to have a neonatologist at every Regional Referral Hospital,” he said, adding that Uganda aims to have at least 14 neonatologists by 2030.
He further outlined government plans to strengthen newborn care through the establishment of specialized neonatal care units at different levels of the health system, ranging from Health Centre IVs to Regional Referral Hospitals and super-specialized facilities such as Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital.
Dr. Mugahi assured the graduates that the Ministry of Health is investing in equipment and infrastructure to support advanced neonatal services and pledged to advocate for improved career progression pathways for super-specialized health professionals.
Makerere’s Commitment to Advanced Medical Training
Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, congratulated the fellows and their families on the achievement.
He praised the College of Health Sciences for its contribution to national development and noted that programmes such as the Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine Fellowship enhance Makerere University‘s position as a leader in knowledge generation and societal transformation.
Prof. Alinaitwe paid tribute to the graduates’ families, particularly their spouses and children, for supporting them through the demanding years of specialist training.
“The work you do is truly priceless,” he told the fellows. “The contribution you make to humanity is immeasurable.”
Graduates Hailed as Future Leaders in Newborn Health
In attendance were the director of Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital, Dr. Sam Ononge, Deputy Director Mulago Referral Hospital, Dr. John Sekabira, Dr. Mary Nyanzi from Kawempe Referral Hospital, Sr. Dr. Assumpta Nabawanuka, the Director of St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, Dr. Irene Atuhaire from Seed Global Health Uganda and Ms. Ritah Akankwasa from ELMA Philanthropies Services, who partnered with the college in training the fellows.
The training partners described the graduates as pioneers who had demonstrated exceptional resilience and commitment throughout the rigorous training programme.
They applauded their contributions to patient care, teaching, mentorship, and supportive supervision, noting that their work had already contributed to improvements in maternal and newborn health services in Kampala and other regions of Uganda.
“As Kawempe National Referral Hospital, we have been privileged to witness your growth, not only as clinicians but also as leaders and advocates for newborn health,” Dr. Nyanzi said.
The graduates
- Dr. Tumwebaze Anita Kiiza Muhumuza
- Dr. Ediamu Tom Didimus
- Dr. Kezia Kibedi
- Dr. Hellen Kyokutamba
- Dr. Gerald Ojambo
For most people, the thought of death evokes grief, fear, or loss. But at Makerere University‘s College of Health Sciences, death became a lesson in gratitude, service, and humanity as students, faculty, and health professionals gathered to honour a unique group of teachers, individuals who continued to educate future doctors long after their passing.
At the Second Cadaver Commemoration Ceremony, on June 11, 2026, organized by the Makerere Students’ Anatomy Society, candles flickered softly as students paid tribute to what they fondly call their “silent teachers”, the human bodies that make it possible for medical students to learn anatomy and develop the skills that will one day save lives.
Standing before fellow students and guests, Chairperson of the Makerere Students’ Anatomy Society, Joseph Mwera, reminded the audience that the ceremony was not about mourning the dead.
“Today, we gather not only to remember those whose bodies have contributed to medical education but also to celebrate their lives,” he said. “Their legacy continues to inspire and serve humanity even after death.”
For many medical students, the anatomy laboratory is where they first encounter the reality of the profession they have chosen. Behind every lesson on muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and organs is a person who once lived, loved, worked, and contributed to society.
That reality was brought to life by the keynote speaker, Rev. Prof. Dr. Samuel Luboga, a surgeon, anatomist, and priest who spent nearly four decades teaching anatomy at Makerere University.
Reflecting on his own days as a medical student, Prof. Luboga recalled spending long hours in the anatomy laboratory after his classmates had gone home, studying human anatomy in detail.
Many people wondered whether he was afraid to spend so much time among cadavers.
His answer was simple.
“These men and women had lived productive lives. They had raised families, served their communities, and contributed to Uganda’s development. Even in death, they continued to teach us the science and art of medicine. They had earned my admiration, my respect, and my gratitude.”
His remarks resonated deeply with the students in attendance.
In a society where discussions about death and body donation remain sensitive, Prof. Luboga challenged participants to view the individuals in anatomy laboratories not as lifeless remains but as people who continue to contribute to humanity through education.
“The silent teachers before us today made learning possible,” he said. “The impact of their contribution is reflected in the doctors you have become and those you are yet to become. It is reflected in the countless patients you will treat and the innumerable lives you will save.”
Legal framework to guide body donation
The ceremony also sparked important conversations about the future of anatomical education in Uganda.
Head of the Department of Anatomy, Prof. Elisa Mwaka, highlighted the need for a national legal framework to guide body donation and anatomical research. While anatomy training in Uganda has traditionally relied on unclaimed bodies obtained through hospitals, he noted that many countries are increasingly embracing voluntary body donation programmes.
According to Prof. Mwaka, building public trust will be essential if Uganda is to establish a sustainable body donation programme.
“We must help the public understand how human bodies contribute to medical education, how they are treated with dignity, and how appropriate legal safeguards can protect donors and their families,” he said.
He revealed that discussions are already underway to develop an Anatomy Act that would provide a modern legal and ethical framework for the use of human remains in medical education and research.
Representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Julius Kikooma described the ceremony as much more than an academic event.
“Behind every competent healthcare professional stands an invaluable source of learning that often remains unseen and unheard,” he said. “These individuals taught us without speaking a single word. Though they are no longer able to communicate, their contribution continues to educate, inspire, and shape future generations of healthcare professionals.”
He commended the medical students for organizing what remains the only cadaver commemoration ceremony of its kind in Uganda, noting that the initiative reflects the values of compassion, professionalism, and respect for human dignity that are at the heart of medicine.
The event concluded with recognition of past and present leaders of the Department of Anatomy whose contributions have shaped anatomical education at Makerere University over the decades. Students also honoured exceptional educators who have inspired generations of future health professionals.
Yet the most powerful tribute of the day was reserved for those who could not be present to receive awards or applause.
The silent teachers
Individuals whose names may never appear in textbooks, whose stories may never be fully known, but whose gift continues to echo through hospital wards, operating theatres, and communities across Uganda.
Every doctor trained, every surgery performed, and every life saved carries a small part of their legacy.
And for one day at Makerere University, students paused to say the words that are rarely spoken aloud: Thank you.
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