Lightning strike kills teacher, injures pupils at Oyam school

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A violent lightning strike tore through a classroom in Kamdini sub-county, Oyam district, on February 17, 2026, killing a teacher who had reported for duty only three days earlier and leaving more than a dozen pupils nursing injuries.

The bolt struck Global View Primary School in Nora village at around 3.00 pm while lessons were ongoing, plunging the school into panic and grief.

Sub-county chairperson Terrence Omonya said the lightning struck at a time when pupils were inside their classroom.

“Nineteen pupils suffered shock, with two of them in serious condition,” he said, adding that the privately owned school had no lightning arrester installed.

The deceased teacher has been identified as Joseph Egwabu, who had joined the school earlier this week. He was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Confirming the incident, Patrick Jimmy Okema, Public relations officer for the North Kyoga region, said territorial police in Oyam registered the case after the lightning strike on February 17, 2026.

“The strike resulted in injuries to sixteen pupils, who were taken to Diicunyi Health Centre III, and one teacher, Jimmy Otim, who was taken to Atapara Hospital for medical attention. Another teacher, Joseph Egwabu, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at Atapara Hospital, where his body remains,” Okema said.

Police officers from Kamdini Police Station responded swiftly using vehicle UP 9771, driven by Sgt Akena under the supervision of Sgt Opira. The injured were transported to health facilities, and the scene has since been secured as investigations continue.

Okema noted that particulars of the injured pupils were still being compiled. “We will continue to investigate the incident thoroughly to establish all circumstances and ensure appropriate measures are taken. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” he added.

The tragedy has reignited concerns over safety standards in rural schools, particularly the absence of lightning protection systems despite the region’s vulnerability to heavy storms.

As the community mourns the loss of a young teacher whose service was cut short, parents and local leaders are calling for urgent inspections and enforcement of safety measures in both public and private schools to prevent similar disasters.