Four children from the same family, who lost their lives to a lightning strike during a downpour on January 20, 2024, have been laid to rest in a burialr ceremony held in Sheema District. Trevor Mujuni (9), Shanitah Akankunda (11), Comfort Nahabwe (10), and Lonnet Ainembabazi (8) were struck at Kimondo 11 cell, Kitagata ward, Kitagata Town Council.
Survivor Lilian Nyamwija, who witnessed the incident at around 5:50 pm while in the kitchen with six other children, shared the harrowing experience. During the burial ceremony at their home in Kimondo 11, Kitagata ward, Kitagata town on Monday, speakers expressed deep regret over the loss of these young lives, each with promising dreams.
Stanley Ayesiga, the headteacher of Kitagata Central School where the deceased studied, praised them as smart, God-loving students, and punctual individuals. The curate of Kitagata Archdeaconry, Rev. Moses Kenda, urged mourners and the bereaved family to turn their focus to God, stating that the tragedy was part of His plan.
Charles Twine, the LC3 chairperson of Kitagata Town Council, expressed shock at the unfortunate incident, emphasizing the importance of parental responsibility in educating children about safety measures during such natural occurrences.
Amon Nyesiga, the father of Shanitah Akatukunda, recounted the heartbreaking moment when he learned about the lightning strike, expressing the family’s profound grief. Despite his hopes for a different outcome, all four children were already deceased upon his arrival.
Prikeria Muhindo, the Sheema Resident District Commissioner, termed the incident regrettable for the district and pledged to liaise with Professor Ephraim Kamuntu, the senior presidential advisor on manifesto implementation, to seek support from the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness for the grieving family.
