Lightning kills five market vendors in Masindi
Witnesses reported that seven individuals were struck by lightning, with an 11-year-old boy dying instantly.
Lightning claimed the lives of five people, leaving the community in shock and terrified.
By Yosam Gucwaki
Journalists @New Vision
MASINDI - Tragedy struck Kibibira village, Pakanyi sub-county, Masindi district, on Friday evening when lightning claimed the lives of five people, leaving the community in shock and terrified.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:00 pm during a heavy downpour, as residents sought refuge under a huge tree in Kibibira market.
Witnesses reported that seven individuals were struck by lightning, with an 11-year-old boy dying instantly.
Three others succumbed to their injuries while being rushed to Masindi hospital, and one more person died upon arrival at the hospital. By the time of filing this report the four deceased women had not been identified.
Tende Mathius Oswa, the district councillor representing Pakanyi sub-county, confirmed that two of the deceased are reported to be traders from Kigumba sub-county.
By press time, the police had not released an official statement or identified the victims.
This devastating incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of lightning strikes, particularly during heavy rainfall.
In recent years, Uganda has experienced several such incidents, including a tragic lightning strike in Lamwo District that killed 14 South Sudanese refugee children and injured 34 others in November 2023.
In a similar incident in April 2025, a teacher was killed, and 15 pupils were injured when lightning struck Sserinya Primary School in Masaka City.