Lightning kills 7 in Kabale, Kisoro

By Goodluck Musinguzi and Patrick Murangira

Seven people were killed in Kabale and Kisoro districts after being hit by lightning over the weekend following the onset of the rainy season.

The rains have been heavily pummeling the region for the last couple of weeks, with bridges flooding and roads cut off.

The South Western Regional Police spokesman Elly Maate confirmed that in Kabale district, two people were struck by lightning in Kamwirima cell, Kanjobe parish, Kyanamira subcounty.

The dead were identified as Robert Tumwijukye and Frank Tamukweise. The injured in Kisoro were admitted at Kisoro hospital, while those in Kabale are in Mutolere hospital.

John Kamara, the Bufumbira North MP said five people were struck dead by lightening in two separate incidents in his constituency over the weekend.

Kamara said two people died on spot at Nombe Village, Rubunguri parish, Kirundo subcounty and the third person died upon reaching Mutolere hospital.

Jovia Ainembabazi 18, Marion Kobusingye 15 and a two year unnamed child were coming from their garden when they took shade under a tree where they were struck by lightning.

The other two people who were struck by lightning resided in Bikokora village, Ntenko parish, Nyabwishenya subcounty.
The dead were identified as Clever Ainomukama 20 and Ainomugisha 15.

Kamara said there should be a study by scientists to come up with solutions that can be communicated to people.

There general public is in fear about their safety. Most houses do not have lightning conductors in the region.

Authorities have in the past warned locals against taking shade under trees since trees are conductors, especially when such people don't have shoes or sandals on, since the charge is then conducted through them from the tree.