news 29 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Heavy Rains Claim Life of Woman, Hospitalize Four in Gulu Stream Tragedy
A woman drowned after torrential rains caused fast-flowing waters at Agagi stream in Gulu to sweep away five people returning from market, while four survivors were rescued and hospitalized. The incident highlights the dangers of lacking a bridge at the crossing point used by locals and schoolchildren. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/torrential-rain-kills-one-leaves-4-hospitalised-in-gulu-5441232
Heavy downpours on Tuesday evening turned deadly in Gulu district when five women were caught in surging waters while crossing Agagi stream along River Unyama in Pugwinyi Parish, Unyama Sub-County.
Lucy Labong lost her life after being swept away around 7:00pm as the group headed home to Paranga Village from Pugwinyi Market. The rain had fallen heavily from 3:00pm to 6:30pm, rapidly raising water levels.
Two of the women, Beatrice Ajok and Pamela Amono, tried crossing hand-in-hand but were overpowered midway. The other three, Evelyn Laker, Florence Adiyo, and Labong, panicked and rushed across, only to be swept away too.
Locals heard their cries and launched a search from 7:00pm to 10:30pm. The four survivors clung to tree branches and vines until rescued. Three received treatment at Awach Health Centre IV, while Amono, who swallowed mud and water and suffered chest and head pains, was transferred to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.
The search for Labong resumed Wednesday morning, finding her body 70 meters downstream, entangled by a climbing plant and injured by palm branches. Police from Aswa West assisted in recovery and confirmed the scene lacks a bridge, endangering villagers and students daily.
Agagi stream, fed by five tributaries, flows into River Unyama and eventually the Nile.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)