By Peter Luzinda
RAKAI
A 21-year-old mother and her seven-year-old daughter have drowned in a community spring well in Rakai District after the mother reportedly attempted to rescue the child.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening, 9th August, 2026 in Kyaluwakula Village, Lwanda Sub-county.
The deceased have been identified as Olivia Nakibirango, 21, and her daughter, Majorine Nanyange, 7.
According to residents, Nanyange had gone with other children to fetch water from the community well when she slipped and fell into the water.
The children who were with her reportedly ran back home and informed residents about the incident.
Nakibirango then rushed to the well and entered the water in an attempt to save her daughter. She also drowned in the process.
A farmer working in a nearby tomato garden reportedly responded to the scene and attempted to rescue the pair, but he was unable to save them.
Residents later gathered at the well, while police were called to the scene. The bodies were eventually recovered and handed over to relatives for burial.
Southern Regional Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye confirmed the deaths and said police had opened investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the dangers posed by open and community water sources, particularly to children.
Authorities have urged parents and guardians to ensure children are accompanied by adults when collecting water from potentially dangerous sources.
