Kiryandongo weighs relocating primary school after persistent lightning strikes
According to ACLENET, Runyanya Primary School is located between 335 and 1,500 metres from a high-risk lightning zone, adjacent to a wetland and bushland, conditions that increase the likelihood of lightning formation.
Parents and other stakeholders attending a meeting to plan how the school will be relocated. (Photos by Yosam Gucwaki)
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Kiryandongo district authorities are considering relocating Runyanya Primary School following repeated lightning strikes that continue to endanger pupils and teachers.
The latest incident occurred on July 5, 2026, just days after International Lightning Day on June 28, when lightning struck the staff quarters.
Although no one was injured, property was destroyed, causing concern among parents.
Headteacher Sarah Ngonzebwa said pupils were sent home to allow investigations into the incident.
On July 10, 2026, district authorities and other stakeholders held a meeting to discuss the proposed relocation of the school.
According to Ngonzebwa, the school's enrolment has dropped from 800 to fewer than 700 pupils following the destruction of property worth millions of shillings.
The incident has revived memories of the June 28, 2011, tragedy, when a lightning strike at the school killed 19 pupils and one adult, and injured more than 50 others.
Following the 2011 tragedy, the school underwent rehabilitation, including structural repairs and the installation of lightning protection systems.
Ngonzebwa told New Vision that the African Centres for Lightning Education Network (ACLENET) has provided lightning arresters and conducted safety training, but lightning strikes have persisted.
"Though unprotected staff houses were hit due to exposure, the classrooms remained unaffected, proving the system's effectiveness. We urge schools to invest in certified lightning protection to safeguard buildings and learners," she noted.
Kisha appealed to the district to renovate the staff quarters, establish a sick bay and declare Runyanya a National Lightning Education and Learning Centre for Uganda.
Kiryandongo district electrical officer Julius Ocaya conducted inspections on July 11, 2026, and found that the earthing system in the staff quarters measured 160 volts, significantly higher than the recommended seven volts.
The Primary Six and Primary Seven classrooms registered 57 volts. He also identified cracks in the staff quarters, the absence of a lightning arrester and exposed electrical wiring.
According to ACLENET, Runyanya Primary School is located between 335 and 1,500 metres from a high-risk lightning zone, adjacent to a wetland and bushland, conditions that increase the likelihood of lightning formation.
Ocaya recommended engaging climate and environmental experts to conduct further research.
LC5 chairperson Nelson Osaga confirmed that lightning incidents continue to occur in the area.
He said the district executive had recommended relocating the school and that Primary Seven pupils would be transferred to neighbouring schools while relocation plans are implemented.
Another stakeholders' meeting is scheduled for July 15, 2026, to identify a suitable site.
Kiryandongo subcounty LCIII chairperson Wilson Tugume said the parish has five acres of land available for the relocation.
District senior inspector of schools Johnson Katusabe said lightning has claimed the lives of children in the area.
He urged residents not to politicise the relocation, emphasising that the primary objective is to protect learners.
Katusabe added that the school would retain its name after relocation.
Parent and former pupil Irene Nalya said she fears for the safety of her four children who attend the school and called for a lasting solution.
District councillor Mildred Nyangoma called for compensation for affected families and urged residents to remain calm.
Deputy RDC Jonathan Akwetereho said government records show that no compensation has been provided to the affected families.
He noted that the area experiences high atmospheric electrical activity and directed chief administrative officer Anselem Kyaligonza to supervise safety measures in all schools.
Akwetereho also said many lightning arresters are stolen by residents and attributed some problems to poor workmanship by contractors.
In addition, he urged parents to strengthen supervision of their children and install lightning arresters in their homes.
"The Office of the President has pledged to follow up on all matters concerning Runyanya Primary School," said Akweteireho.