Tragedy struck Sheema District on Monday evening when two siblings lost their lives after being struck by lightning. Local authorities have confirmed the incident, which has left the community in shock and mourning.
The victims were identified as 14-year-old Demus Tugabirwe and 12-year-old Triva Twinomugisha, both pupils at St. Charles Lwanga Primary School in Shuuku Town Council. According to local reports, the children had spent the afternoon grazing goats near their home in Kinogo Cell, Kishabya Ward. They were on their way back when the lightning struck.
Lawrence Mugisha, a resident of Kinogo Village, said the strike happened at around 5:45 p.m. in Kisizi Central Cell, Shuuku. “There were several people nearby when the storm hit, but the lightning struck only the two children. Sadly, they died instantly. No one else was injured,” he said.
Greater Bushenyi police spokesperson, SP Apollo Tayebwa, confirmed that officers responded immediately after receiving the report. The bodies were taken to Kabwohe Health Centre IV for a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death, though initial findings indicate lightning as the cause. “Investigations are ongoing, and we will share any new developments as they come in,” he said.
SP Tayebwa also urged residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms. “We encourage people to seek safe shelter whenever storms approach and to work closely with the police in protecting lives and property,” he advised.
Lightning-related deaths are not uncommon in Uganda. Data from the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO shows that between 2007 and recent years, lightning strikes have claimed at least 191 lives and left 727 people injured across the country. Districts such as Hoima, Jinja, Kisoro, and Kalangala have recorded some of the highest numbers of cases.
Experts warn that most lightning fatalities occur in open spaces, such as grazing fields, under trees, or while walking in exposed areas. Afternoon thunderstorms are considered particularly dangerous. Incidents have even been recorded inside classrooms and homes where proper lightning protection measures are lacking.
The African Centre for Lightning and Electromagnetics Network (ACLENet) notes that many rural communities in Uganda have limited access to safe shelters during storms. The organization continues to call for stronger public education on lightning safety, including avoiding open fields, staying away from tall isolated trees, and seeking enclosed buildings during bad weather.
In Sheema, the loss of Demus and Triva has been described as a heartbreaking event for the entire community. Neighbors and school staff expressed their grief, remembering the children as bright and respectful pupils. “It is a tragic and unexpected blow. We have lost two young lives with so much potential,” one resident said.
As investigations continue, authorities and community leaders are urging parents, teachers, and guardians to be extra vigilant during stormy weather and to educate children on the dangers of lightning. The incident serves as a painful reminder of the risks posed by severe weather, especially in rural areas where outdoor activities are a daily routine.