Rédaction Africa Links 24 with ABUBAKER KIRUNDA
Published on 2024-02-02 15:40:07
A tragic incident occurred at Nambale Primary School in Nambale sub-county, Iganga District, where a teacher named Ms. Joy Kanage was struck dead by lightning. The news was confirmed by the Nambale sub-county LC3 chairman, Mr. Nasur Ibanda. According to Mr. Ibanda, Ms. Kanage was walking in the school compound when the lightning struck her, leading to her untimely demise. The body was handed over to her relatives for burial, as it was confirmed that the cause of death was indeed lightning.
The Chairman of Iganga District LC5, Mr. Ezra Gabula, has called on the government to reinforce the installation of lightning arresters at schools before they reopen for the first term. He expressed concern over the lack of lightning protection at most schools in the district and urged the government to prioritize the safety of students and teachers.
However, the Iganga District Education Officer, Mr. Baker Kasadhakawo, provided a conflicting statement, asserting that schools in the district already have lightning arresters in place. He mentioned that the arresters are limited by the distance they can cover from the buildings, and that the deceased teacher was struck in the football field while collecting goats as the rain started falling.
Notably, schools in the Busoga sub-region have a history of being vulnerable to lightning strikes, often leading to tragic consequences, especially for children. In June 2011, four Senior Four students of Valley Hill Secondary School in Kaliro District were hospitalized after being struck by lightning. Similarly, two pupils at Nawangoma Primary School in Jinja District lost their lives to a thunderbolt just two days prior to the incident in Kaliro District.
These incidents highlight the urgent need for improved lightning protection measures in schools across the region to prevent further loss of life due to lightning strikes. Authorities and school administrations must work together to ensure the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and staff members. As the community mourns the loss of Ms. Joy Kanage, her tragic passing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive measures to safeguard against natural disasters. It is hoped that her memory will inspire positive change and greater awareness of the risks posed by lightning in the region.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
