Tragedy struck on Monday night as 70-year-old Veronica Nekesa and her daughter Nasio Baseke were killed by a lightning strike in Nakigo village, Malongo sub-county, Mayuge district. The duo was inside a grass-thatched house when the lightning struck, causing the house to catch fire.
Ismael Ntale, a neighbor residing about 10 meters away, heard a loud blast around 3:00 am and immediately secured his house door. Shortly after, he noticed flames coming from his mother’s hut. Upon breaking into the burning house, Ntale discovered the lifeless bodies of his mother and sister, confirming his fears that they had been struck dead by lightning.
Ruth Namala, another resident, survived the incident but sustained injuries all over her body as her hut was partially torched. She is currently receiving treatment at a private clinic in the area. Namala highlighted that their community has experienced several lightning strikes recently, resulting in fatalities. She pleaded with the government to install lightning conductors at selected points in the area to prevent further tragedies.
Erisa Manga expressed concern about the safety of learners at the only primary school in their area, which lacks a lightning conductor. With consistent rains and lightning strikes, learners’ safety is compromised during adverse weather conditions.
Frank Tibagendaka, the L.C.V chairperson of Mayuge district, confirmed the incident and stated that efforts are underway to collaborate with government entities and development partners to install lightning conductors in high-risk areas.
