Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-02-05 03:29:52
Lightning Strikes Two Dead in Kisoro District, Uganda
Two people have tragically lost their lives due to a lightning strike in Kisoro district, located in western Uganda. The victims have been identified as Flora Bwimana, a resident of Matembe village, and Twizere Sibomana, a resident of Rukopfe village in Murora sub-county. The incident occurred at approximately 7 pm while the victims were returning home from the garden during a heavy downpour.
Jackson Sebakunzi, the chairman of Rukopfe village LC I, provided details surrounding the events leading up to the tragedy. He stated that traditional cleansing rituals were carried out before the bodies were taken away by their families. It is worth noting that the hilly districts of western Uganda are prone to lightning incidents, making it a cause for concern for residents in the area.
This unfortunate event is not an isolated incident. On January 15 of this year, lightning struck and killed six cows and 12 sheep belonging to Fred Ishungisa, a farmer from Ntungamo village in Katenga parish, Kaharo sub-county, Kabale district. Ishungisa was tending to his animals at Kinyinya hill during an evening drizzle when lightning struck, resulting in the loss of his livestock.
In a separate incident on January 13, 2024, lightning struck four children from the same family in Sheema district. The children, Trevor Mujuni (11), Shanitah Akankunda (9), Comfort Nahabwe (10), and Ainembabazi (7), were all in the kitchen when the tragic incident occurred in Kimondo II village, Kitagata ward, in Kitagata town council.
December 2023 also saw lightning-related fatalities in the region. Treasure Arinda, a 13-year-old student at Kacherere primary school, and Elia Mwebesa, also 13 years old and a resident of Kilwa village, Kiruruma ward, Kacherere town council, Rubanda district, lost their lives while collecting firewood.
The series of lightning strikes, resulting in numerous tragic deaths and loss of livestock, highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures in the affected areas. It is crucial for residents and local authorities to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their property from the dangers posed by lightning.
The consistent occurrence of lightning-related incidents in the region calls for comprehensive education on lightning safety and the implementation of preventive measures. By understanding the risks associated with lightning and taking appropriate precautions, communities can work towards minimizing the devastating impact of these natural phenomena.
As such, it is important for local authorities to prioritize initiatives that educate and equip residents with the knowledge and resources necessary to mitigate the risks posed by lightning. Furthermore, collaboration among government agencies, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders is essential to effectively address the challenges associated with lightning strikes in the region.
In conclusion, the recent lightning strikes resulting in the loss of lives and livestock in Kisoro district, Uganda, serve as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for proactive measures to address the risks posed by lightning. Through collective efforts and a commitment to raising awareness and implementing safety measures, communities can work towards reducing the impact of lightning-related incidents and protecting the well-being of their residents.
Read Original article on The Observer
