Health
Makerere Marks World Drowning Prevention Day
By Joseph Odoi
On 27th July, 2021, Makerere University joined the rest of the world to mark the 1st International Drowning Prevention Day. This follows a historic resolution by UN Assembly to declare 25th July the World Drowning Prevention Day.
This day was set aside to raise awareness about the devastating effects of drowning on families and communities globally.
According to WHO Data, an estimated 236,000 people drown every year, and drowning is among the ten leading causes of death for children aged 5-14 years. More than 90% of drowning deaths occur in Low- and-Middle-Income-Countries (LMICs), with Africa being among the most affected region.
While moderating Uganda’s webinar to mark this day under the Ugandan theme ‘Drowning: recognizing the silent burden and a call to action’, Dr. Olive Kobusingye, a Senior Research Fellow and Head of the TRauma, Injury And Disability (TRIAD) unit at Makerere University School of Public Health in a special way welcomed over 100 participants to the zoom session. She remarked that drowning is a big problem which affects many different types of people adding that it is preventable with good planning and investments at national and community levels.
‘’Nationally, we need to plan systems for gathering data, we need a work plan, resources, agencies and people mandated to prevent drowning. At the community level we need sensitization about the risk of drowning, we need people to report drownings when they happen, and we need them to participate in prevention efforts for the community (e.g. sensitization campaigns) and individuals (e.g. always wearing a life jacket when on water and heeding weather forecasts and warnings on dangerous waves on lakes)’’ Dr. Kobusingye explained.
Citing multi-sectoral approach, Dr. Kobusingye stressed the importance of different sectors working together to prevent drowning.
‘’Multiple sectors need to work together to bring about effective drowning prevention, but so far every sector is on their own. Some of the key sectors are not engaged at all. The lack of consensus around a common strategy and plan means that little action is taken’’ she added.
Moving forward, Dr. Kobusingye advised government to prioritize the fishing industry by providing leadership, coordination capacity and working with the private sectors to prevent drowning.
Presenting findings of a two-phased countrywide survey on drowning at the webinar, Frederick Oporia, a Research Associate and PhD Fellow at Makerere University School of Public Health revealed that drowning is among the silent leading causes of injury-related deaths in the country, and the most affected are fishing communities.
Highlights of the findings
Frederick noted that in the first phase, a total of 1,435 fatal and non-fatal drowning cases were recorded in administrative sources of 60 districts; 1009 (70%) in lakeside districts and 426 (30%) in non-lakeside districts.
’’In the seond phase, further exploration in just 14 districts out of the 60 was done. This phase involved community interviews. Through these interviews, a total of 2,066 new drownings were found, a number far higher than what was found recorded in administrative offices of 60 districts’’. he cited
Regarding demographics, he said fatal victims were predominantly male (85%), and mostly among the young adults with the average age of 24 years. Almost half (48%) of these drownings were related to an occupational activity. The study found that there was gross under-reporting of drowning incidents, partly because of the belief of most communities that drowning is ‘a will of God’ and so there’s no need to report what God has decided.
The majority (95%) of the people who drowned from a boating-related activity were not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.
To address these cases, Frederick revealed that MakSPH together with different stakeholders have developed the first ever National Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Strategy for Uganda. The strategy is hoped to guide all the efforts on drowning prevention in the country. As part of this strategy, he emphasized the importance of installing barriers to control access to high risk water sources, teaching children survival swimming skills, sensitization in communities to enhance behavioral change, safe boating and shipping regulations, training of first responders in safe search, rescue and resuscitation, building resilience and managing flood risks among others
In efforts to prevent drowning, Henry Ategeka, Principal Marines Inspector at the Ministry of Works and Transport revealed that the ministry has been donating some life jackets to police marines and some communities in dire need. He also said that there are plans by the government to strengthen laws around navigation to promote safety on Uganda’s water bodies.
As part of these plans, CP Ubaldo Bamunoba, the Commandant Marine Police said the country is in the process of unveiling a water safety strategy to curb drowning.
Mr. Ubaldo further revealed that his department is establishing several rescue centers at all major water bodies to support the rapid rescue operations. He also pointed out capacity building and marine training as one of the key mechanisms needed towards drowning prevention.
Mr. Sowed Suwagudde, Assistant Commissioner International Transboundary Water Resources at the Ministry of Water and Environment also stressed the need for partners to work together. “Water cuts across a number of sectors and if we are going to have success for our strategy, we will need to bring them all on board because they interact with the water environment.”
In his remarks, the WHO Uganda Country Office Representative, Dr. Fatunmbi Bayo Segun congratulated Uganda for marking the first ever World Drowning Prevention Day, adding that 2.5million drowning deaths in the last decade should remind everyone about the seriousness of the neglected injury. Moving forward, he emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach in reducing the burden of drowning.
In her closing remarks, the Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees–Hon. Esther Anyakun acknowledged drowning as one of the leading causes of death, not just in Uganda but worldwide. She highlighted drowning as a silent burden with huge economic implications on the country thus calling for a multi-sectoral approach to counter it. She equally thanked Makerere University for taking lead in co-designing Uganda’s first drowning prevention strategy.
The webinar organised by Ministry of Water and Environment in Partnership with Makerere University attracted over 100 participants including policy makers, technical experts, researchers, civil society organizations, and researchers. Among issues discussed in a Q&A Session were causes of drowning, perceptions, laws, data, and policies around drowning. At this webinar, it was agreed by all participants that tackling drowning, a neglected injury needs a multi-sectoral approach where different sectors work together.
Health
Ministry of Health Launches National University Health Screening Initiative at Makerere 92nd Guild Medical Camp
Despite a morning downpour, the two-day 92nd Makerere University Guild Annual Medical Camp successfully commenced on September 17, 2026 with a launch at the Freedom Square.
The Launch marks a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Health and higher education institutions to advance physical well-being and awareness of students from public and private universities.
Presiding over the event, the Minister of State for Health (General Duties), Hon. Anifa Kawooya Bangirana, launched the intensified testing and active case finding for Malaria, HIV/AIDS and Sickle Cell Disease.
Ministry officials emphasized that laboratory screening and diagnostic testing are critical entry points for early detection, linkage to care, appropriate clinical management, surveillance and prevention, and the Ministry of Health pledges full support to strengthen these services across universities nationwide.
Held under stewardship of the Makerere University Dean of Students office, the camp offered a comprehensive suite of health services to the student body and the wider community. Attendees had access to the following services:
- General and Specialist Consultations
- Sickle Cell, Malaria RDT and HIV Screening
- Eye Care and Laboratory Diagnostics
- Free Essential Medicines
- Reproductive Health Counseling
- Mental Health Counseling
While addressing the attendees, Hon. Kawooya emphasised that health is synonymous with national economic productivity.
She guided the youth to prioritise well-being, and avoid living in denial for it is the first step to refusing help. This will help build a firm foundation for any future contributions to national development.
The Minister further warned students against risky behaviours, including substance abuse and sexual immorality, which she described as poisonous.
She advocated for responsible reproductive health practices, urging students to utilise resources available to protect themselves for the future.
Why you should Know Your Status
Prof. Charles Olaro, who is the Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Uganda reflected on his time at the university during the peak of the HIV epidemic, recalling a visit from the late Bongole Lutaya.
He noted that today’s youth have not witnessed the severity of the AIDS due to the availability of care and ARVs, which can create a false sense of security.
“People are in care and you have not seen the real slim disease. You have not seen it”
He added that some attending are products of mothers that undertook prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and they gave birth to negative children. But now when we are grown up, they are reckless with their sexual life.
Prof Olaro summarized his remarks by noting that health is an irreplaceable asset and that decisions made today have significant future ramifications. They urge the audience to take the opportunity to know their status, whether for HIV or sickle cell disease, as this is the essential entry point for care and life planning.
Benefits of knowing your status:
- It serves as the entry point for receiving necessary care.
- It allows for better life planning.
- It enables individuals to manage other aspects of their lives effectively.
- It prevents future health complications.
Genetic Awareness and Blood Donation
Associate Professor Richard Idro the Deputy Principal of the Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) emphasised the importance of seeking appropriate information with a focus on genetic awareness. He advised the students to know their status before marriage to prevent passing on genetic conditions.
“One day when you fall in love, you know that preferably you should not marry somebody who is also carrying a certain gene.”
He then delved into the importance of treating HIV and clearing malaria parasites, which he addressed exhaustively.
From this, Dr Idro’s focus turned to blood donation where he acknowledged a number of people that had already participated in the exercise at the Uganda Red Cross Society tent.
“I see the Red Cross at one corner. As we passed there, 36 people had donated blood. Although, gentlemen, I saw very few of you donate blood.”
He concluded by challenging the young men present and reminding them that they can donate blood up to four times a year and still remain healthy.
Empowering Ambassadors of Global Health Awareness
The Ministry of Health called upon the students attending the camp to serve as ambassadors for global health awareness in their respective institutions.
The Executive Director/Commissioner National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS), Dr. Susan Nabadda Ndidde advised the students to make sure that they mobilise and intensify testing for all these diseases.
“We will work with you as a Ministry to provide the tests to make sure that we know your status and prevent these diseases in time.”
She wrapped up her message by thanking Makerere for allowing the Ministry of Health to partner on this cause and urged the students to embrace this opportunity and make sure they leave after establishing their status.
By bringing these critical services directly to campuses, the government fosters a healthier, and more informed generation capable of driving Uganda’s future development.
Students Appreciate the Medical Camp
According to Denise Kainomugisha, the Chairperson of the Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) and Vice Minister of Health in the 92nd Guild, the Camp served as a vital platform for capacity building.
“The screening, the testing, the sports science, was all handled by the student volunteers under supervision” she confessed.
She also explained that the camp extended to broader public health goals and additionally fostered leadership and collaboration among students, who were encouraged to work together to address community health needs.
Concluding her remarks, Kainomugisha expressed gratitude to the respective partners for providing both financial support and the opportunity for students to take on active roles throughout the Medical Camp.
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