Jinja: In a heartbreaking incident on December 25, two minors lost their lives in a drowning tragedy at Masese Pier on the shores of Lake Victoria, situated at Masese landing site in Jinja city southern division. The victims were identified as 10-year-old Faisal Idel and Aksali Wambede, both residents of Katende road in Bugembe.
The unfortunate incident unfolded after the youngsters attended a lively football match between Kisima One United and Masese United at Lakeside Primary School in Masese. Following the match, the children reportedly ventured to the banks of Lake Victoria for a swim, and tragically, they drowned in the deep waters near the pier without any adult supervision.
SP James Mubi, the Kiira region police spokesperson, revealed, “These children, after the football match, ended up at Masese Pier and drowned in the deep waters without any adult supervision. They were on their own.”
Marine police, in collaboration with local fishermen, conducted recovery operations, managing to retrieve Faisal Idel on the evening of Christmas day, while the body of Aksali Wambede was recovered on the following Tuesday morning.
The deceased, Faisal Idel, was the child of Hanifah Kasubo and Bumali Mukungu, while Aksali Wambede’s parents were identified as Sofia Nakazinwe and Abu Wambidi. The bodies were transferred to Jinja regional referral hospital before being handed over to the grieving families for burial.
SP James Mubi expressed concern and attributed the tragic incident to parental negligence, questioning how parents could allow such young children to roam freely without adult supervision.
“How could the parents leave such young people to move freely without supervision from an adult?” questioned Mubi.
In light of the festive season, where activities and gatherings are abundant, the police had conducted several sensitization programs through mass media and other platforms to emphasize the importance of child protection. The tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the need for increased vigilance and responsibility, especially during the holidays.
