A 17-year-old student of Kilembe Secondary School drowned in River Nyamwamba while attempting to cross it at night on his way back to school, police have said.

The body of Owomugisha Innocent Ashraf was recovered early the following morning by police, school officials and community members following a search operation.

According to Rwenzori East Police spokesperson Elly Maate, the incident occurred at about 8pm after Ashraf and a fellow student travelled from Kasese town and attempted to cross the river, which had swollen following rainfall earlier in the day.

The two students were reportedly swept away by the water, but one survived after being carried a short distance downstream. He later reported the incident to the school headteacher, Christopher Ndyanabo, who alerted police.

Police, working alongside school officials and community members, launched a search operation early the following morning and recovered Ashraf’s body.

The body was taken to Kasese Municipal Health Centre III for a postmortem examination before it could be handed over to the family for burial.

Owomugisha was a son of Abel Rwibande, a resident of Saluti B in Kanyangeya Ward, Nyamwamba Division, Kasese Municipality.

Maate cautioned residents against crossing rivers during or after heavy rainfall, particularly at night when rising water levels and strong currents may be difficult to assess.

He also warned against attempting to cross rivers while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, urging the public to prioritise safety to prevent similar incidents.