A teenager drowns in a community fish pond

By Mike Rwothomio

The 11-year-old boy drowned in a community fish pond in Patongo village Jupangira Sub-county Nebbi district on the 31st of May. #WhisperEyeNews

Local leaders say the boy was sent by her mother to draw water for domestic use from the fish pond at around 6.00 Pm.

The LC 1 chairperson of Patongo village John Ongiera noted that a search was launched when family members waited for the teenager in vain.

It was later discovered at around 7:30 Pm that he fell into the waters whilst attempting to draw water using his Jerrycan that was later seen floating on the waters by Other people who went to draw water from the same Pond.

Water was drained from the fish pond later, and locals were able to discover his body according to Dan Oyungrwoth, an area resident of Patongo village.

The community fish pond was excavated by a nongovernmental organization called NURI to help the community ladened by a shortage of clean water, especially during the dry season.

The body of the deceased only identified as  Saviour was taken to Patongo health center 2 and later handed over to the family members for burial as Nebbi Police inquiry into the incident has commenced.

The LC 3 chairperson of Jupangira sub county Sunday Ogenmungu recommended that the place be fenced and placed out of reach for the children to avoid the reputation of a similar unfortunate incident.

3000 people die annually of drowning according to April this year’s statistics by the Works and transport ministry which notes that out of the cases, many remain unreported.