news 19 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Student Electrocuted to Death in Mbale, Landlord Arrested
A Senior Five student in Mbale City tragically died from electrocution while ironing clothes, leading to the arrest of her landlord as police investigate an illegal power connection. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/landlord-detained-after-student-electrocuted-while-ironing-clothes-in-mbale-5501822
Tragedy struck in Mbale City on Friday morning when Adongo Evaline, a 19-year-old Senior Five student at Gill Sherlock Memorial Secondary School, was found dead in her rented room. She was reportedly electrocuted while using an electric iron to press her clothes.
The incident occurred around 5:45 AM in the Namabasa Zone 3A, Doko Ward area. According to Elgon Region Police spokesperson SP Rogers Taitika, preliminary investigations suggest Adongo came into contact with an electrical current in the sitting room, resulting in instant death. Investigators observed burn marks on her hand, consistent with electrocution.
Further findings indicate that the house, owned by Pastor Wabutwa Hassan, had an illegal electricity connection. The property was reportedly shared by nine students. Police have detained Pastor Wabutwa to assist with the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the death and to determine potential liability.
Adongo’s body has been transferred to Mbale City Mortuary for a postmortem examination. The police extended condolences to the student’s family, school, and the local community. They also issued a stern warning against illegal power connections, highlighting their dangerous nature and criminal implications, and advised the public to exercise caution when using electrical appliances, such as avoiding ironing with wet hands.
Landlords have been urged to ensure their rental properties have properly certified electrical installations to prevent similar incidents. The investigation into the death of Adongo Evaline is ongoing.