Muhanga — A 19-year-old man, Emmanuel Kwizera, tragically drowned in the Nyabarongo River while attempting to cross it with a cow he was taking to the market.
Kwizera, the son of Uwizeyimana Melchior and Mukamurenzi Donathile, lived in Muzamuzi Village, Gashorera Cell, Nyabinoni Sector.
François Nsabimana, Executive Secretary of Kibangu Sector, explained that Kwizera had planned to meet someone at the Nyabarongo bridge (Bourguet) to assist with crossing the cow. As he waited, the cow panicked in the water and dragged him into the river.
“The cow slipped into the river, pulling him with it,” Nsabimana said.
It remains unclear whether the cow survived or reached the market safely. Rescue efforts have involved local authorities, the District Security and Safety Office (DASSO), family members, and experienced swimmers. As of the latest reports, Kwizera’s body had not yet been recovered.
CIP Hassan Kamanzi, spokesperson for the Southern Province Police, urged the public to avoid risky river crossings, especially during the rainy season, and to report accidents promptly to assist rescue operations.
