(Lamwo) – Fourteen people were killed and 34 others injured in a tragic lightning strike that struck a church during a prayer service at Palabek Refugee Settlement in Lamwo District on November 2, 2024. The victims, many of whom were teenagers, had gathered at the church in Zone 8, Block 2, when rain began around 5:00 p.m. Lightning struck the congregation at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed the incident, stating that the injured were rushed to Paluda Health Centre III for medical treatment. Authorities are working to confirm the identities of all victims. Initial reports indicate that those struck were part of a larger group that had sought shelter from the rain while attending a prayer service.
The Palabek Refugee Settlement, which provides shelter primarily for South Sudanese refugees, was established in 2016 to alleviate overcrowding in Uganda’s larger refugee camps. Home to over 60,000 people, 85% of whom are women and children, the camp faces challenges in handling extreme weather conditions, like the recent storm that led to this tragic event.
Police have since released a list of the deceased victims to assist families and authorities in identifying those affected. The list includes individuals as young as nine and as old as 21.
| Victim Name | Age | Sex | Residence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nyamaet Thiluak | 17 | Female | Block 4, Zone 8 |
| Chaar Tot | 18 | Male | Block 1, Zone 8 |
| Madol Wigjang | 21 | Male | Block 3, Zone 8 |
| Nyachot Mawichnyuon | 17 | Female | Block 1, Zone 8 |
| Nyakueh Gatgueng | 15 | Female | Block 1, Zone 8 |
| Jima Gat Tiok | 14 | Male | Block 2, Zone 8 |
| Tany Tai | 12 | Female | Block 2, Zone 8 |
| Tidial Gatluak | 16 | Male | Block 2, Zone 8 |
| Chop Matai Chop | 15 | Male | Block 2, Zone 8 |
| Nyagai Diew | 9 | Female | Block 2, Zone 8 |
| Nyathak Mariner | 12 | Female | Block 2, Zone 8 |
| Lul Riek John | 14 | Male | Block 2, Zone 8 |
| Khamis Tut | 14 | Male | Block 1, Zone 8 |
| Tura Betu | 14 | Male | Block 3, Zone 8 |
Authorities and humanitarian organizations are coordinating efforts to provide support to affected families and the broader refugee community.
