Tragedy Strikes as Lightning Kills 14 People in Northern Uganda
Tragedy struck in Lamwo District in Northern Uganda on Saturday as at least 14 people lost their lives and 34 others were hospitalized after being struck by lightning during a prayer service at a church. The victims, aged between 9 and 21, were gathered for prayers when the incident occurred in Palabek settlement camp.
According to Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, the lightning strike happened around 5:30pm following the onset of rain at 5pm. The injured individuals have been evacuated to Paluda Health Center III for medical treatment.
Lightning, a sudden electrostatic discharge that typically occurs during a thunderstorm, has been a recurring phenomenon in Uganda, claiming several lives over the years. Scientists and environmentalists attribute the increased incidents of lightning strikes to uncontrolled environmental destruction in the country.
Recent Lightning Incidents in Uganda
In recent years, Uganda has witnessed several tragic incidents of lightning strikes resulting in loss of lives. In June 6, 2024, three siblings were killed in Dokolo District while seeking shelter from a light drizzle in their grandfather’s house.
Three weeks later, 77 primary school pupils were struck by lightning in Oweko primary school in Nebbi District. The pupils were playing football when the lightning struck, causing mass casualties.
On February 2, 2024, two women were killed by lightning in Kisoro District, while another woman lost her life in Iganga District under similar circumstances. These incidents highlight the devastating impact of lightning strikes on individuals across different regions of Uganda.
Last year in March, a man and his two children were also tragically killed by lightning in Rubanda District as they sought shelter in their house during a heavy downpour.
The recurring incidents of lightning strikes underscore the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures to mitigate the risks posed by such natural disasters in Uganda.
