Child, 20-Year-Old Die in Bugiri Swamp Road Accident

Police officers attached to the Marine Unit in Busoga East, together with local divers, have retrieved two bodies from Kibimba Swamp in Kapyanga Sub-county, Bugiri District. The deceased have been identified as Constance Nabwire, a Primary Three pupil at Kayango Children’s Kidukiro School, and 20-year-old Franco Bageya. Both were residents of Sironyo Village in Muwayo Town Council, Bugiri District.

The bodies have been taken to Bugiri General Hospital Mortuary, where they await postmortem examination before being handed over to relatives for burial arrangements. Preliminary information indicates that the two drowned following a road accident that occurred on 3rd May 2026. It is alleged that they were travelling on a motorcycle, registration number KMFS 904T, which veered off the road and ended up in Kibimba Swamp, leading to their drowning.

A relative of the deceased pupil, Justine Naluma, said Nabwire was travelling from Muwayo Town Council to visit her grandparents in Kapyanga Sub-county for her first-term school holiday. Naluma described Nabwire as a lively child who, despite her young age, aspired to become an agritechnologist in the future, with the goal of improving modern farming practices in the area. She added that the family will remember her as an enterprising child who will be deeply missed.

Halima Nanteza, a resident of the area, noted that Kibimba Swamp frequently overflows onto nearby roads, making it difficult for motorists to pass safely. She said those who attempt to cross during such conditions often end up in water-related accidents. According to Nanteza, while adults familiar with the terrain sometimes manage to swim across during rainy seasons, children remain highly vulnerable. She added that at least three children have died in similar incidents in the swamp within the past four months.

Meanwhile, Busoga East Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha confirmed the incident, saying investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the accident. Kasadha also cautioned road users to exercise extra vigilance during rainy seasons, noting that overflowing swamps often cut off roads and pose serious risks to travellers.