By Omony Denis
The territorial police of Koboko district are investigating an incident in which three people drowned in an artificial water well known as “shadoof” on December 26th, 2022 at Grina Gardens Hotel Lipa Cell, South Division, Koboko Municipality in Koboko district.
The trio, identified as Zamali Edward, 38, of Olengaku village, Dranya Sub County, Candia Bosco, 36, of Lipa cell, Mengo Ward, South Division Koboko, and Dramile Robert, 23, of Lipa cell, Mengo Ward, South Division Koboko, all from Koboko district, drowned around 12pm.
Candia and Dramile died while attempting to save their colleague Zamile, who had drowned while using a generator to pump water into the tank, according to the police report.
Angucia Josephine, the police spokesperson, for the West Nile region, confirmed the report, adding that a team of police officers rushed to the scene and retrieved the three bodies that were taken to Koboko Government Hospital for postmortem.
Angucia further said the inquiries continue under Koboko Death Enquiry File Number 08/2022.
“Zamali was the first person to drown after he entered the shadoof with the generator they were meant to use to pump water,” said Angucia.
“The witnesses said the last deceased similarly drowned in an attempt to rescue (Zamali and Candia),” she adds.
Angucia stated that the tank water had 13-fits down with water clogged steps.
“It was observed that the shallow water well, which is owned by the proprietor of the hotel, is too deep, about 13 feets down, with water clogged steps, which are suspected to have made Zamari Edward slide and drown, followed by his rescuers.” Angucia notes
She accordingly asked people who own artificial water wells on their compound to lock them up when not in use.
