Lightning strike kills three Kabale pupils

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Residents of Kahama village in Kafunjo parish, Buhara sub-county in Kabale district, are in shock following a tragic lightning strike that claimed the lives of three pupils from Bwera Primary School, leaving the entire community in mourning.

The incident occurred on May 3, 2026, evening at about 5:00pm during a heavy downpour. The victims were reportedly sheltering inside their family kitchen as the rain intensified, while their parents were away.

The deceased have been identified as 13-year-old Faith Namanya, a Primary Five pupil and daughter of Ronald Rukarekwaho; 13-year-old Daphine Musimiseki, a Primary Four pupil; and 4-year-old Shine Ainebyona, a nursery pupil. Daphine and Shine were daughters of Yosam Tukwasibwe. Local leaders confirmed that two of the victims were sisters, while the third was their neighbour.

Preliminary reports indicate that lightning struck the house, killing the children instantly. The shocking incident has left families devastated and residents struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of the young lives.

Jonan Turihohabwe, the LC1 Chairperson of Kahama Village, said the tragedy has plunged the area into deep grief and disbelief, noting that such an incident had never been witnessed in the locality before.

“We were alerted about the incident and informed the police to begin investigations. This is something that has deeply affected our community,” Turihohabwe said.

He also raised concerns over communication challenges during emergencies, revealing that efforts to reach the Police immediately after the incident were unsuccessful.

“This shows that there are still gaps in emergency response, especially in rural areas,” he added.

The head teacher of Bwera Primary School, Edson Bikworwomuhangi, described the loss as devastating to both the school and the wider community.

“This is a very painful moment for us. We have lost young learners with great potential. We have never experienced such a tragedy as a school,” Bikworwomuhangi said.

He dismissed misinformation circulating on social media suggesting that the incident occurred at the school, clarifying that the school had already closed for the term last week.

“All the deceased were our pupils, but the incident happened at their home, not at school,” he emphasised.

By press time, Police had not yet issued an official statement as investigations continued, while the community called for support and prayers for the bereaved families.