By Samuel Opio
Police has detained the general manager of Mestil Hotel in Nsambya, Kampala to explain circumstances under which a 13-year-old boy drowned in their swimming pool on Sunday.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Mr. Luke Oweyesigyire said the manager has been detained at Kabalagala police station as investigations into the boy’s death continue.
“Police rushed to the scene following a call from a concerned parent last evening but unfortunately we could not rescue him alive,” Mr Oweyesigyire said.
He said the body of the deceased has since been taken to the city mortuary at Mulago for autopsy.
The police spokesperson urged parents and hotel attendants to work together in protecting children near swimming pools and related water bodies if they are to prevent such incidents.
In April this year, a 21-year-old Makerere university student, John Paul Lilimu, died after drowning in the campus swimming pool.
In December 2017, Kevin Waswa, a 17-year- old pupil of Kiswa Primary School in Bugolobi, Nakawa division in Kampala drowned at Silver Springs hotel during Christmas celebrations.
In March 2017, Charles Sseruganda, the Proprietor of Charles Enterprises died after drowning in a swimming pool at Country Inn in Masindi town. He died after reportedly hitting the side walls of the pool.
In June 2016, Imulani Mpalanyi, a third-year student of Muteesa I Royal University, drowned in a swimming pool at Ivy Hotel in Rubaga. His body was discovered in the pool by the hotel management.
