Kabale student drowns in Lake Bunyonyi

Kabale-August 9, 2026-An 18-year-old student of Lake Bunyonyi Community Vocational Secondary School in Kabale District is feared to have drowned while swimming in Lake Bunyonyi.
Roland Ampeire, a Senior One boarding student, reportedly went swimming with a friend around midday in the Bufuka area of Mwendo Parish, Kitumba Sub-county.
Ampeire was reportedly learning to swim and was using a closed jerrycan as a floating aid when it slipped from his hands.
He reportedly lost his balance and disappeared into the water.
The friend who was with him is said to have returned to inform the school, which subsequently contacted Ampeire’s family.
His father, James Tayebwa, of Kashenyi Village, Butenfa Parish, Rubaya Sub-county, has accused the school of negligence.
Tayebwa said boarding students should not have been able to leave the school premises to go swimming without permission or supervision.
Local divers and swimmers were still searching the lake for Ampeire’s body by the time of publication.
The Uganda Police Force and the school management had not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
The incident has again drawn attention to the risks faced by inexperienced swimmers on Lake Bunyonyi, particularly young people who swim without proper supervision and safety equipment.