Authorities urge Ugandans to adopt swimming as a life skill
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I As floods continue to disrupt life in Kampala and the metropolitan area, residents have been urged to learn how to swim as a basic safety skill. This appeal was made by officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Heavy rains have left several major roads are submerged, causing serious transport delays and endangering lives.
Flood-prone areas like Banda, Kyambogo, Kinawataka, and the Clock Tower have become increasingly dangerous, with water levels rising quickly during storms. For that matter, many motorists and pedestrians have always been left stranded while traffic officers have had to direct vehicles away from risky, waterlogged sections.
According to city authorities, the increasing flood risk is due to several factors such as poor drainage systems, the careless dumping of garbage, encroachment on wetlands, and unregulated urban development. Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has already identified over 60 flood-prone hotspots that need urgent attention.
While speaking to journalists ahead of the designated July 25 World Drowning Prevention Day, Dr. Charles Luzige, the the assistant commissioner of the Maritime Monitoring at the Ministry of Works said that personal preparedness in flooding areas is crucial.
“While the government is working to reduce flooding in the city, residents need to learn how to swim. It is a critical life-saving skill – the last resort when all else fails,” Dr Luzige said.
Dr. Luzige further noted that the government is trying to set up search and rescue centres across the country, linked to the national hub in Entebbe, to improve emergency response.
“We also want to empower communities to participate in rescue operations.”
While long-term solutions like improving drainage and upgrading infrastructure are in the pipeline, experts believe that public awareness and personal safety skills are just as important. Learning how to swim, especially in high-risk areas, can help reduce the number of deaths caused by sudden floods.
Authorities also called on residents to stop dumping waste in drainage channels and to respect wetlands. Community action, they say, is key to preventing future disasters.
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