Police in the Kiira region on Monday evening confirmed the retrieval of the body of Franco Maino, a student at Kampala International University (KIU), who drowned in River Nile on Sunday. Maino, a resident of Kakira Town Council in Jinja District, had gone for a day out with friends at Itanda Falls.
One of his friends said they spent about two hours sharing pleasantries and enjoying snacks before moving closer to the fast-flowing section of the falls to take memorable photos, since it was their first visit. He said Maino slipped backwards and was swept away by the rapids.
The group alerted Itanda Falls employees, but it was too late to rescue him. Andrew Matege, a relative, said the management initially denied the family access to the scene, which worsened their distress. He explained that they had planned to conduct cultural rites at the exact spot where Maino drowned to spiritually quicken the recovery of the body and cleanse surviving family members against future water-related misfortunes.
He noted that this tradition has been practiced for generations and helps the bereaved cope, with community members often pausing their activities in solidarity. Matege said they were later granted access at around 3:00 pm and witnessed the retrieval of their relative from the river. He described Maino as a promising child who had hoped to transform his father’s household after completing his studies.
Billy Kasenge, the male youth councillor for Butagaya Subcounty, said recreational sites along River Nile must prioritise safety to prevent similar incidents. He noted that although risky spots are clearly marked, some visitors ignore precautions in pursuit of unique photos, exposing themselves to danger. He advised site owners to invest in surveillance systems and professional safety marshals to monitor high-risk areas.
Kiira Regional Police spokesperson James Mubi confirmed the incident and said two drowning cases were reported along the River Nile over the weekend. The one involving Maino occurred at Itanda Falls, while the other involved an unidentified person near Busowoko Resort Beach. Mubi said an autopsy was conducted and Maino’s body was handed over to relatives, while the other victim’s body remains missing.
He said Itanda Falls’ standby divers worked with police to retrieve the body. The police marine unit has documented the scene, and inquiries are ongoing. Mubi urged recreational facility owners and revellers to prioritise safety, stressing that staying alive should be paramount.
Safety concerns around recreational sites along the River Nile in Butagaya Subcounty have recently drawn scrutiny, following the death of Uganda National Oil Company engineer Gershom Rwakasanga, who drowned in October after being allowed access to restricted areas at Busowoko beyond recommended hours. The incident led to the temporary closure of Busowoko Resort Beach.
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