Residents of Masule A in Kyanzuki Ward, Bulembya Division, Kasese Municipality were left in shock after the disappearance of 16-year-old Chachimwa Christine, who is believed to have drowned in the flooded Nyamwamba River. Five days after the incident, family members and neighbors continue to search for her body.
According to Sadresi Kabugho, aged 45, Chachimwa’s mother, the girl went missing while returning from a confirmation ceremony at St. Stephen Joint Church in Kyanzuki Trading Centre. Mbambu said the river rose suddenly and her daughter was swept away.
Kabugho explained that Chachimwa’s disappearance might involve witchcraft, alleging that uncle to chachimwa called Godfrey could have been engaged in witchcraft or human sacrifice in pursuit of riches.
She has called on community leaders and authorities to intervene and help retrieve her daughter’s body from river Nyamwamba.
Local residents echoed concerns about the danger posed by the Nyamwamba River. Muhindo Milton, a Masule A resident, said there is no bridge at the crossing and that the river has claimed many lives during high waters.
Bwambale Rabison, LC1 of Masule A, urged the government to reconstruct a bridge over the Nyamwamba to reconnect Kyanzuki to surrounding areas and prevent further loss of life. He noted that several bridges in the area were swept away in past floods, leaving communities isolated and at risk.
Responding to the concerns, LT Maate Magwara, Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kasese, warned residents to avoid crossing the river when water levels are high.
He also said the government recognizes the problem and will consider reconstructing a bridge at the site, though he did not provide a timeline for the work.
As of this report, search teams and community members have not recovered Chachimwa Christine’s body. The family and neighbors continue to search and are appealing to authorities for assistance in the recovery effort.
