Lightning Strike Kills Pupils in Sheema School Tragedy

Lightning strike kills pupils in another tragic incident in Sheema District, leaving the local community in deep mourning. The thunder roared, then came a blinding flash that hit an electricity pole near Rwengiri Primary School. That bolt, fierce and unrelenting, surged through power lines and into a classroom, ripping through the silence with a deafening crack.

As panic swept across the school, children screamed and collapsed. Two of them, Isabellah Kemigisha, aged 8, and Benson Beinomugisha, aged 6, died on the spot. Their young lives, filled with promise, were abruptly extinguished.

Fifteen other pupils sustained various injuries during the incident. They are now receiving treatment at Bushenyi Medical Centre (BIM) Hospital in Kabwohe town, located within Sheema Municipality. The injured include Blessing Akatukunda, Sheldon Nuwamanya, Kwikiriza Binaisa, Seith Abaasa, Blossom Akankwasa, Poline Owokunda, Alvin Turibamwe, Mpumwire Racheal, Alicious Ainomugisha, Andrew Mutaka, Owembabazi Vanisha, Shanirah Ampiire, Rinah Mutesi, and Mathias Twinomuhangi.

The headteacher, Bernards Bangirana, explained that lightning struck a nearby electricity pole and likely travelled into the classrooms via electrical wiring. He described the moment as terrifying and chaotic. “The sound was deafening. Pupils began screaming and collapsing. It’s a dark day for the school and the community,” Bangirana said.

West Ankole Diocesan Secretary, the Rev. Ven. Joseph Mweyungye, visited the injured at BIM Hospital and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. He encouraged the community to stay united, trust in God, and refrain from spreading unfounded rumours during this emotional time. “We mourn with you and pray that God gives you comfort. Let us stand firm and not give in to rumours,” he said.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time Sheema District has experienced such devastation. On January 13, 2024, lightning struck a home in Kimondo II Cell, Kitagata town council, killing four children from the same family. The siblings, Trevor Mujuni (11), Shanitah Akankunda (9), Comfort Nahabwe (10), and Lonnet Ainembabazi (7), all students of Kitagata Central Primary School, died instantly after seeking shelter in the kitchen during an evening downpour.

These back-to-back tragedies have raised urgent questions about public safety during thunderstorms. Many communities in western Uganda lie within lightning-prone zones, but they remain poorly equipped to handle severe weather. Local leaders and residents now demand immediate government action to protect schoolchildren and households.

Kigarama sub-county LC5 councillor Kenneth Nuwagira urged the Government to prioritize the installation of lightning arrestors in schools and other public buildings. He emphasized that such devices are essential in high-risk areas. These gadgets divert electrical surges safely into the ground, thus protecting lives and infrastructure.

Despite a directive issued 13 years ago mandating all schools to install lightning arrestors, implementation has remained sluggish. Schools cite high costs, lack of technical support, and general neglect as reasons for non-compliance. However, community members now insist that failure to act is no longer acceptable.

As lightning continues to pose a deadly threat, the tragedy in Sheema serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need for preventive measures. Many hope that this loss, though devastating, will finally spark meaningful change to protect Uganda’s schoolchildren from the deadly reach of the skies.

READ: 68 Pupils, School Staffs Hospitalised Over Suspected Poisoning

spot_img

More like this

X, Meta Making a Kill from Misinformation

The social media misinformation profits of companies like X, Meta, and YouTube have come under intense scrutiny....

Kitgum Murder Case Highlights Rising Crime in Uganda

A shocking Kitgum murder case has sent shockwaves through the community after police discovered a 36-year-old school...

US Travel Advisory Africa: 12 Nations Under High Risk

The latest US travel advisory Africa listings reveal significant security concerns across the continent. As of July...