Police in Kasese together with locals in the district have retrieved the body of a 16-year-old girl who drowned in River Nyamwamba.
The remains of Christine Chachimwa, a resident of Masule A in Kyanzuki Ward, Bulembia Division, Kasese Municipality have been recovered after 4-days of search. According to Sadresi Mbambu, Chachimwa’s mother, the girl went missing while the were returning from a confirmation ceremony at St. Stephen Joint Church in Kyanzuki Trading Centre.
Mbambu said the river waters rose suddenly and despite her attempt to hold her, the water sweot her daughter away.Milton Muhindo, a resident of Masule, said there is no bridge at the crossing and that the river has claimed many lives during high waters. Rabison Bwambale, LC1 of Masule A, urged the government to construct a bridge over Nyamwamba to reconnect Kyanzuki to surrounding areas and prevent further loss of life.
He noted that several bridges in the area were swept away in past floods, leaving communities isolated and at risk. Responding to the concerns, Lt Maate Magwara, Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Kasese, warned residents against crossing the river when water levels are high.
He also said the government recognizes the problem and will consider reconstructing a bridge at the site, though he did not provide a timeline for the work. URN