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Lightning strike kills 72-year-old woman Kitgum woman
The latest tragedy has heightened concern among residents of Namokora, where local authorities say lightning strikes have become increasingly frequent.
Lightning strike kills 72-year-old woman Kitgum woman
By: Christopher Nyeko, Journalist @New Vision
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KITGUM — A lightning strike on Friday (July 17) evening claimed the life of a 72-year-old woman and left her 10-year-old granddaughter critically injured in Namokora, Kitgum District.
The deceased has been identified as Shabina Awor Lukal, a resident of Dogtangi Village, Pagwok Parish.
Namokora North sub-county Women's Councillor V, Vicky Acayo Otim, said the incident occurred at around 4:30 pm during a heavy downpour.
At the time, Awor and her granddaughter were inside their grass-thatched house.
Whereas Awor died instantly, neighbours evacuated the child and rushed her to Namokora Health Centre IV, where she remained admitted on Saturday.
The latest tragedy has heightened concern among residents of Namokora, where local authorities say lightning strikes have become increasingly frequent.
Between January and July 2026, at least three families in Namokora North sub-county have been affected by lightning-related incidents.
In February 2026, lightning struck the home of Christine Akaka in Kalabong West Village, killing a resident identified only as Kabila.
A month later, another lightning strike hit the home of Charles Oketa, a teacher at Kalabong Primary School, destroying his hut and household property in a fire. Both incidents occurred in Namokora North sub-county.
On July 11, 2026, another lightning strike hit a group of seven women in Camgweng Village, Orom sub-county, Kitgum District. Although all seven—including an expectant mother—survived, they sustained injuries and were hospitalised.
The latest tragedy has heightened concern among residents of Namokora, where local authorities say lightning strikes have become increasingly frequent.
Between January and July 2026, at least three families in Namokora North sub-county have been affected by lightning-related incidents.
In February 2026, lightning struck the home of Christine Akaka in Kalabong West Village, killing a resident identified only as Kabila.
A month later, another lightning strike hit the home of Charles Oketa, a teacher at Kalabong Primary School, destroying his hut and household property in a fire. Both incidents occurred in Namokora North sub-county.
On July 11, 2026, another lightning strike hit a group of seven women in Camgweng Village, Orom sub-county, Kitgum District. Although all seven—including an expectant mother—survived, they sustained injuries and were hospitalised.
Local leaders have appealed to the government to investigate the apparent increase in lightning strikes in Namokora and Orom sub-counties.
They are also calling for the installation of lightning arresters at public institutions, including schools, markets, health facilities, and churches, to help protect surrounding communities from lightning-related disasters.
In addition, the leaders have urged environmental scientists and the Uganda National Meteorological Authority to conduct community awareness campaigns on lightning safety in high-risk areas.
They have also appealed to the government to assist families affected by the disasters.
Last week, during the Prime Minister's Question Time in Parliament, Chua East MP John Calvin Okoya said the recurring lightning strikes have left residents living in fear.
Okoya told Parliament that Kitgum District has recorded 127 lightning-related deaths over the past 15 years and urged the government to take urgent action to address the recurring natural disaster.
They are also calling for the installation of lightning arresters at public institutions, including schools, markets, health facilities, and churches, to help protect surrounding communities from lightning-related disasters.
In addition, the leaders have urged environmental scientists and the Uganda National Meteorological Authority to conduct community awareness campaigns on lightning safety in high-risk areas.
They have also appealed to the government to assist families affected by the disasters.
Last week, during the Prime Minister's Question Time in Parliament, Chua East MP John Calvin Okoya said the recurring lightning strikes have left residents living in fear.
Okoya told Parliament that Kitgum District has recorded 127 lightning-related deaths over the past 15 years and urged the government to take urgent action to address the recurring natural disaster.