Police have launched an investigation into the tragic drowning of Kevin Nsamba, a Senior Six student at Seeta High School, Mbalala Campus, who died after jumping into the school’s swimming pool on Sunday evening.
The 21-year-old reportedly entered the deep end of the pool shortly after playing football with classmates.
“At the time, there were trainees in the pool under the supervision of a trainer or lifeguard, and Nsamba reportedly jumped into the deep end of the pool,” said Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire.
Nsamba’s disappearance went unnoticed until after a school movie session later that night. A frantic overnight search ended in tragedy the following day when his body was recovered from the pool. Police have since arrested the trainer who was on duty.
This incident has intensified scrutiny of safety standards in Ugandan schools, particularly around swimming facilities. Earlier this year, a pupil also drowned at Seeta Junior School — an alarming repetition within the same school group.
It comes at a time when Uganda’s new drowning prevention strategy is facing criticism. The plan, which calls for trained lifeguards, regular pool inspections, and safety education in schools, has been faulted for lacking proper funding and enforcement.
Nsamba’s death now adds to a growing list of preventable tragedies. According to the 2024 Uganda Police Crime Report, 1,489 people died by drowning last year — many of them students and children.
As police continue to investigate, Nsamba’s death highlights the urgent need for schools to take safety seriously and for government agencies to enforce existing drowning prevention measures.
