© Moureen BiiraResidents of Kibandama I Village in Kilembe Sub-County, Busongora County South, Kasese District retrieve the body of Harriet Muzawimana from the river on Wednesday.
According to police reports, the victims have been identified as Mary Kabugho, 13, from Kibandama I Village in Kilembe Sub-County, Busongora County South, and Harriet Muzawimana, an adult woman from Kabuga Village in Karusandara Sub-County, also in Busongora County South.
SP Nelson Tumushime, the Rwenzori East Regional Police Spokesperson, said Kabugho lost her life in a mudslide that occurred around 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6. She had been sleeping in a separate room from her two brothers when the structure was buried by the mudslide.
He said the heavy rains, which lasted nearly four hours, softened the ground and caused the disaster.
In a separate incident, Muzawimana drowned in River Kabaka, a tributary of River Mubuku, which flooded following the downpour during the early hours of Wednesday morning, May 7. Eyewitnesses reported that she drowned while attempting to cross the swollen river to reach her gardens.
Residents, including Mr Jackson Ndungo, recounted hearing her scream shortly after she had informed them of her intention to tend to her crops across the river early that morning.
"She had just passed by and greeted us, mentioning she was going to weed her crops while it was still early. Shortly after, we heard a scream coming from the river. We rushed there and saw her clothes floating on the water," Mr Ndungo said.
He added that despite her efforts to call for help by raising her arms, the force of the water overwhelmed her. Their rescue attempts were unfortunately unsuccessful, and her body was later recovered from the river.
Ms Lovina Kyomuhendo, another resident, recalled, "We were in our garden near the river when Harriet mentioned that she was going to get some food from her garden and do a bit of weeding. She said she was in a hurry because she had other engagements in the afternoon. But within a minute, we saw her being swept away by the waters."
She added, "The river's water level was not very high when she tried to cross, but we were shocked to see the volume suddenly increase. We immediately called for help, and several people rushed to rescue her. Unfortunately, it was too late — we found her already dead."
Her body was retrieved and taken to her home in Kabuga. She will be laid to rest on Thursday, May 8.
Reader Comments
to our Newsletter