Busoga North police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the drowning of a three-year-old child in an open pit in Luuka District. The deceased, identified as Jaiden Sali, a resident of Lukhunu A Cell, Busalamu Town Council, reportedly drowned in a waterlogged pit on November 9, 2025, while his parents were away.
According to reports, Sali had accompanied his mother to a Village Savings Group meeting on Sunday evening. When heavy rains began, all adults went indoors, leaving Sali outside. The boy reportedly sought shelter under a tree in a neighboring coffee garden, where he is believed to have accidentally slipped into an open pit dug beneath the tree.
Eyewitnesses said Sali did not return after running into the coffee plantations during the rain. A six-year-old witness reported seeing Sali run off but was unable to help. The witness alerted the mother, who raised an alarm, prompting residents to join the search. Sali’s body was later recovered from the waterlogged pit.
The child’s mother has reportedly gone into hiding. Samson Lubega, the Busoga North Regional Police Spokesperson, said detectives have recorded statements from eyewitnesses and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.
“We are investigating a case of possible parental negligence, where a juvenile was left to wander alone, leading to his death,” Lubega said. The deceased was taken to Kiyunga Health Center IV mortuary for a postmortem as part of ongoing investigations.
Lubega urged parents to remain vigilant about their children’s safety, emphasizing that lapses can result in serious injuries or death.
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