Uganda: Victims of lightning strike buried

Victims of lighting strike in Palabek settlement camp northern Uganda were buried on Sunday (Nov. 03).

They had gathered to pray when the rain started around 5:00 PM Saturday, and the lightning thunder struck half an hour later.

Deadly lightning is commonly reported in Uganda during the wet season.

“From the figures we identified; we had 14 mortalities. And these are people who died on the spot and the age group of 9 to 21, the youngest being a 9-year-old girl, then the eldest being a 21-year-old male.”

Police investigations revealed an absence of anti-lightning infrastructure.

Victims were attending a prayer service in a makeshift metallic structure when the lightning struck.

The deceased are reportedly from neighboring South Sudan.

Uganda

Uganda, located in East Africa, is a country rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty.

With a population of approximately 43 million people, Uganda boasts over 40 languages and 56 ethnic groups, showcasing its diverse and vibrant culture.

The country’s geography is equally impressive, featuring Lake Victoria, the River Nile, and Mount Elgon, making it a haven for tourists and adventure seekers.

Uganda’s economy is primarily agriculture-based, with coffee, cotton, and tea being major exports, while also possessing significant natural resources such as copper, cobalt, gold, and oil.

The country has made progress since gaining independence from Britain in 1962, but ongoing issues hinder its development.

Efforts to promote tourism, preserve natural resources, and strengthen governance aim to propel Uganda forward.

Initiatives like gorilla conservation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and community-based tourism projects demonstrate Uganda’s potential for sustainable growth and cultural preservation.

Lightning strike incidents in Uganda:

Uganda experiences a significant number of lightning strikes due to its location near the equator and its tropical climate.

According to the Uganda Meteorological Authority, lightning strikes are common during the rainy seasons (March-May and September-November).

*Notable Incidents

1. 2011: Lightning struck a primary school in western Uganda, killing 18 students and injuring 37.
2. 2013: A lightning strike killed 15 people and injured 20 in the eastern district of Iganga.
3. 2015: Lightning struck a church in central Uganda, killing 10 people and injuring 20.
4. 2017: A lightning strike killed 14 people and injured 10 in the western district of Kasese.
5. 2019: Lightning struck a secondary school in eastern Uganda, killing 9 students and injuring 20.
6. 2020: A lightning strike killed 16 people and injured 15 in the western district of Bundibugyo.

*Regional Distribution

Lightning strikes are more frequent in Uganda’s western and eastern regions, particularly in:

1. Western Uganda (Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Kabale districts)
2. Eastern Uganda (Iganga, Mbale, and Bugiri districts)

*Causes and Prevention*

The main causes of lightning strikes in Uganda include:

1. Thunderstorms
2. Poor electrical infrastructure
3. Lack of lightning conductors on buildings.

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