Ugandans get swimming lessons
2007-02-22 22:30
Katy Pownall
Kampala - When many people think of aid to Africa, they imagine sacks of grain for the starving or blankets for the homeless.
But in Uganda, one charity is offering something different: swimming lessons.
Patrick Tumwijukye, manager of a local charity that is co-ordinating swimming lessons on Lake Bunyonyi, said : "After Aids and malaria, drowning is the biggest cause of death in our local communities here on the lake."
In the past five years more than 1 000 locals have drowned in Uganda's lakes, though officials say the actual number is far higher with only a fraction of all accidents reported to the authorities.
The marine police do not keep records on how many victims have been claimed by the tranquil 175 square kilometre Lake Bunyonyi, Africa's second deepest lake.
Landlocked Uganda's 10 major lakes are a vital lifeline for much of the country's population, providing fish, water and fertile ground for growing crops. The government water tesources department estimates that Uganda's fisheries alone earn the country about $150m each year.
Majority cannot swim
But poor public transport links on Uganda's lakes means local residents tend to rely on homemade boats and dugout canoes to fish and transport goods to markets.
In spite of reliance on these waters, the majority Uganda's 25 million people are unable to swim.
Marine police chief, Simon Peter Okoshi said: "I am just now learning to swim. Swimming is not in the culture here, many people are hydrophobic."
Uganda's water minister Maria Mutagamba has welcomed the swimming lesson initiative and suggested it could be replicated on other lakes in the country.
She said: "I think it's a good idea that so many people have acquired this important skill."
Enjoying the lessons
Tumwijukye says the programme, run by the non-profit Lake Bunyonyi Development Company, has taught 2 200 Ugandans to swim since it was launched in 2003.
He added: "At first the ladies were resistant to lessons because they didn't want to expose themselves and get wet, but they are changing their minds and now they enjoy swimming.
"We don't have anyone ready to compete in the Olympics yet, but we hope to do that in the future."
At least 22 local and international instructors are providing lessons to schoolchildren and villagers in Lake Bunyonyi, which means the place of many little birds.
Income for the project is generated for the most part from the earnings from an associated eco-tourism lodge.
Bryony Smith, 23, is a Canadian swimming instructor who has been volunteering with the project in Bunyonyi for the past four months.
She said: "Word is spreading about the lessons and interest is growing. They're becoming really popular.
"I definitely think the lessons have saved lives."
- SAPA