Police in Kampala have arrested a woman whose two children drowned in flash floods that hit the Ugandan capital on March 26.
Rose Mary Lenunu had locked her children inside the house in Mulimira Zone, Bukoto. But as he was working, the children drowned in the floods.
The two children were identified as Eliza Otim Kisa, aged three, and Chon Ochaka, who was only 11 months old.
Locals claimed that Lenunu had made it a habit to lock the children in the house and go to work.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the mother, Lenunu Rose Mary, had locked the children inside the house while she went about her work,” said Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) Deputy Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire.
“She has since been arrested by Kira Road Police on allegations of negligence, as neighbors claim this was a recurring practice.”
Owoyesigyire noted that Kampala Metropolitan Police worked with Police Fire Prevention and Rescue Services to respond to several emergency after rains pounded Kampala on March 26.
With a poor drainage system across the city, the rains caused flooding “resulting in motor accidents, pedestrians being swept away by fast-moving water, and significant property damage,” added Owoyesigyire.
He confirmed that five people have died due to the floods.
Apart from the two children who drowned in Bukoto, Owoyesigyire noted that “three bodies were recovered from the Kinawataka area.”
“The bodies of the deceased have been conveyed to the City Mortuary, Mulago, for postmortem examination,” he added.
Police has called on the public to take precautionary measures during heavy rains. The law and order agency has urged people to avoid of unnecessary movement during downpours to prevent accidents, and to secure their homes and ensure the safety of children, especially during extreme weather conditions.
Police also advised bodaboda riders not to risk crossing flooded roads and to wait until water levels recede for safe passage.
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