Lightning Strike Claims Two Lives in Kasese

Tragedy struck Kasese Municipality on Tuesday afternoon as a fierce thunderstorm claimed the lives of two men. Jeremiah Baluku, in his 60s, and Isaac Kihara, in his 40s, were killed by a lightning strike in Nyakatonzi Cell around 3:30 pm.

Baluku, a night watchman, and Kihara, a dry cleaner, were employed at the same Kikade second-hand clothing stores. According to police, the two had initially been in separate makeshift shelters but decided to seek refuge together as the rain intensified, a decision that tragically proved fatal.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud, unusual sound followed by the discovery of the two men lying unconscious near a shelter. One witness described seeing fire emanating from the shelter where Baluku typically slept. The heavy rain and strong winds made immediate rescue efforts difficult.

Police identified the victims and stated that their bodies were transported to Kasese Municipal Health Centre III for postmortem examinations before being released to their families for burial. This incident marks the first lightning-related fatality recorded in the Rwenzori East region since ASP Elly Maate’s transfer.

Authorities are urging residents and institutions, including schools, hospitals, and churches, to prioritize the installation of lightning arresters on their buildings as a vital safety precaution. Community leaders have expressed shock and described the deceased as social and kind-hearted individuals, noting the loss to the local business community. Residents are reminded to seek shelter in safe structures during severe weather events and to remain cautious throughout the rainy season.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)