A heavy downpour early Wednesday morning led to severe flooding across Kampala, leaving five people dead, multiple properties damaged, and several areas submerged.
Kampala Metropolitan Police and the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services have been responding to emergency calls throughout the day.
Authorities confirmed that three unidentified bodies were recovered from Kinawataka, while two children—three-year-old Otim Kisa Eliza and 11-month-old Ochaka Chon—tragically drowned inside their home in Mulimira Zone, Bukoto.
Their mother, Lenunu Rose Mary, has been arrested by Kira Road Police on charges of negligence.
“This is a heartbreaking incident. We have established that the mother repeatedly left her children locked inside the house while she went to work. Unfortunately, during today’s downpour, water levels rose, trapping the children inside,” said ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Public Relations Officer of Kampala Metropolitan Police.
The flooding also led to multiple motor accidents, with boda boda riders and pedestrians among the most affected. Several reports indicated that people attempting to cross flooded roads were swept away by fast-moving water.
“We strongly advise the public to avoid unnecessary movement during heavy rains. If you are on the road, seek shelter until it is safe to proceed,” ASP Owoyesigyire cautioned.
“Boda boda riders, in particular, should not risk crossing flooded roads as this can be extremely dangerous.”
Residents of Mulimira Zone expressed grief over the tragic deaths of the two children.
Rescue operations are still ongoing as authorities assess the full extent of the damage. The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the City Mortuary in Mulago for postmortem examinations.