Repeated River Moroto Drownings Prompt Special Prayers, Renew Calls for Permanent Bridge

Residents living along River Aswa, a tributary of the Moroto River that separates parts of Lira and Pader districts, have organised a special prayer session following a series of drowning incidents that have claimed at least seven lives since 2019.

The prayers are intended to honour those who have lost their lives while crossing the river and to seek divine intervention as communities continue to grapple with the dangers posed by the lack of a safe crossing point.

River Aswa serves as a vital link between Abinek Village in Ayami Sub-county, Lira District, and Atede Village in Pader District, with residents crossing the river daily to access farmland, schools, health facilities, and markets.

Luciano Awio, a resident of Acanmak-weri Village, said the repeated drownings have deeply affected the community. He noted that some residents believe the incidents could be linked to lingering spiritual trauma associated with the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) conflict, although he acknowledged this remains a community belief and has not been established as the cause of the deaths.

He said religious leaders would be invited to lead the prayers for those who have perished in the river.

Beyond the prayers, local leaders are renewing calls for the government to construct a permanent bridge across the river to end the recurring tragedies.

Thomas Obur, the LC3 Chairperson of Ayami Sub-county, said a bridge would provide a safe and reliable connection between Lira and Pader districts while boosting economic and social activities.

Obur also appealed to the central government to provide a modern and safer water vessel as an interim solution while plans for a permanent bridge are pursued.

Joel Okwir, the LC1 Chairperson of Abinek-Acutkumu Village, said River Aswa has remained a major obstacle for residents, with at least seven people drowning since 2019, most of them peasants crossing to cultivate farmland on the opposite bank.

According to local leaders, more than 80 people cross River Aswa every day for farming, trade, education, healthcare and other social services.