ENTEBBE. Police in Kampala Metropolitan are investigating circumstances under which a Senior Three student at St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK) died after reportedly drowning in the school’s swimming pool.
The victim Peter Kirwana, allegedly drowned at around 5:40 pm on Friday while taking part in swimming lessons.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire police have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
“We are holding the school swimming coach on charges of rash and negligence to help us with the investigations,” Mr Owoyesigyire said on Sunday .
According to police, Kirwana was seen struggling in the pool before the coach pulled him out, but he was already having difficulty breathing.
“He was rushed to Kisubi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival ,” Mr Owoyesigyire added.
The body was later transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital for an autopsy.
The incident marks the second –reported- drowning of a student in a school swimming pool since August, raising renewed concerns over safety measures in elite schools.
On August 3, Kevin Nsamba, a Senior Six student at Seeta High School, Mbarara Campus ,Mukono District drowned during swimming practice. The coach in that case was arrested and later released.
In a brief statement on Saturday, St Mary’s College Kisubi head teacher Brother Simeon Simon Mpanga confirmed the death ,but did not offer further details.
Kirwana was due to be buried on Sunday in Narozali, Masaka District.
“Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May Peter’s soul rest in peace,” Brother Mpanga said.
Swimming has become increasingly popular among Uganda’s elite schools over the past decade, prompting institutions to construct their own pools to reduce off-campus drownings in lakes and rivers.
However, experts have repeatedly warned that most schools lack certified lifeguards and safety protocols.