RAKAI Police in Rakai District are investigating the tragic deaths of two teenage boys who drowned in a pond in Kanoni Village, Lwanda Sub-county, on Sunday evening.
The victims, identified as Charles Luboobi ,15 and Mike Lwanga ,16, were sons of John Ssebadda and Mike Ssuuna, respectively.
According to preliminary reports, Charles Luboobi was the first to fall into the water. In a desperate attempt to save his friend, Mike Lwanga jumped in after him but tragically, both boys failed to make it out alive.
Masaka Regional Police Spokesperson ,Twaha Kasirye confirmed the incident and said investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the drowning.
Community in Shock
Local residents remain in shock following the incident. Robert Ssengabi, a member of the village council, said the village is in mourning and unsure of how to move forward.
“The entire community has been left frozen. We didn’t expect such a tragedy. We are still struggling to come to terms with what has happened,” he said.
A Pond with a Purpose and a Warning
The pond, located on a private farm, belongs to Christopher Ssepuya, who says the boys were related to him.
“I feel terrible about what happened, especially since they are my relatives. Some people might want to blame me, but I had already placed signposts warning people to stay away from the pond,” Ssepuya explained. “Unfortunately, teenagers can be reckless and ignore warnings, even at the risk of their lives.”
Ssepuya said the pond was built for irrigation purposes, especially during the dry season. Although still under construction, recent heavy rains had significantly increased its depth, making it more dangerous than usual.
Locals say the boys were familiar with the area and had often played and swum in the waters. They likely underestimated the changed conditions of the pond following the rains.
Last Moments
According to Mike Ssuuna Lwanga’s father, he had spent the day with both boys working in the nearby gardens. He left them around 5:30 PM, advising them to head home before dark.
Sadly, that was the last time he saw them alive.
Recovery and Aftermath
Efforts to retrieve the bodies required the use of water pumps to lower the pond’s water levels. The bodies were recovered later that evening.
Charles Muliira, the LC III Chairperson of Lwanda Sub-county, urged the youth to take safety precautions seriously.