Tragedy in Jinja as Lightning Strike Kills Two and Injures Three

A tragic lightning strike has claimed the lives of two individuals and left three others with critical injuries in Kamira Village, located within Namagera Town Council in Jinja District.

According to local authorities, the incident occurred when a group of workers were offloading sugarcane at a local weighbridge. As a light drizzle began to fall, the workers left the truck to seek shelter beneath a nearby jackfruit tree. Without warning, lightning struck the tree, instantly impacting the group.

Kamira Village LC1 Chairman Shaban Lunkude confirmed the details of the unfortunate event. The deceased were identified as Hassan Mubiru and Ashraf, both residents of Wansimba-Nakabalale Village in Butagaya Sub-county.

In the wake of the disaster, Jinja District LC5 Chairman Moses Batwala expressed deep sorrow and issued a stern warning to residents. He urged the public to avoid taking shelter under trees during rainstorms, particularly as the ongoing rainy season brings an increased risk of severe weather.

Mr. Batwala also announced proactive measures to prevent future tragedies. He stated plans to persuade district councillors to pass a mandatory resolution requiring all schools to install lightning arresters.

To assist the affected families, the district leadership stepped in immediately. Mr. Batwala confirmed that he directed a district ambulance to transport the critically injured survivors to Kagoma Hospital and pledged to personally cover all of their medical expenses.

Read more on this story from the Daily Monitor.