A quiet evening in Butega village turned tragic on October 20th when a four-year-old boy drowned after being swept away by floodwaters during a heavy downpour.
The child, identified as Mutagwanya Angello Darius, a pupil at Cosna Primary School and resident of Kabuwambo Ward, Ttamu Division in Mityana Municipality, had just left school for home when the skies opened around 5:00 p.m.
According to preliminary investigations by the territorial police, Darius attempted to cross a makeshift wooden bridge that had been overtaken by fast-flowing rainwater. Despite the dangerous conditions, the young boy continued on foot, unaware of the danger.
The force of the water reportedly swept him off the bridge and into a nearby trench. His small body was carried nearly 50 meters downstream, where it was later discovered by his parents after the rain had subsided.
Authorities were notified shortly after the incident. A postmortem examination was conducted, and Darius’s body has since been handed over to the family for burial.
Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.
Speaking on the incident, Wamala Region police spokesperson, Racheal Kawala urged the public to exercise extreme caution during heavy rains and discouraged unnecessary movement during storms. She also called on schools to prioritize the safety of children, especially in times of extreme weather.
“This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly lives can be lost in the face of nature,” Kawala said. “We must all remain vigilant and protect our most vulnerable, particularly our children.”
