news 4 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Lightning Strike Claims Lives of Two Sisters and Friend in Kabale Village
Three pupils from Bwera Primary School in Kabale District died instantly when lightning struck the kitchen where they sought shelter during heavy rain. The community is mourning the loss while preparing for their burial. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/two-sisters-friend-killed-in-lightning-strike-in-kabale-5446214
A tragic lightning strike in Kahama Village, Kafunjo parish, Buhara sub-county of Kabale District, claimed the lives of three primary school pupils on Sunday afternoon between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
The victims were sheltering in a wooden kitchen while preparing a meal amid a downpour. They included Primary Four pupil Daphine Musimiseki and her sister Shine Ainebyoona, daughters of Yosam Tukwasibwe, along with their friend Faith Namanya, a Primary Five pupil and daughter of Lenad Rukarekoha.
Kahama Village LC1 chairperson Benon Turihohabwe recounted hearing thunder and seeing a lightning flash while returning from church, unaware of the fatal strike. The parents were also at Sunday service at the time. Bodies were recovered Monday morning following a local cultural ceremony.
Bwera Primary School head teacher Edison Bikorwomuhangi praised the girls as bright, disciplined students excelling in academics and sports, calling it a major loss and urging lightning conductor installations.
Yosam Tukwasibwe expressed devastation, noting his family now has only two surviving children after losing the sisters. Their other child was safely grazing animals elsewhere.
This marks the worst such incident in the area; last August, lightning killed a 60-year-old woman in nearby Rugarama village, injuring her 12-year-old daughter.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)