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Rubanda, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A thunderbolt claimed the life of a cattle keeper in Rubanda district on Monday evening. Rogers Twinamatsiko, a resident of Kiruruma village in Ikamiro parish, Muko sub-county, was struck dead by lightning at around 5pm.
Enock Kyarimpa, the deceased’s brother, and Erinest Ryamirengye, Ikamiro parish LC2 Chairman, say that the incident occurred when Twinamatsiko was in the field grazing his cows during a downpour. Jackson Karyeija, a farmer from Bwaya Village, Rwemihanga Parish, Kahungye Sub-county, Kabale district, also lost three cows after they were struck by lightning at the same time. Karyeija says that while he was grazing the animals during the downpour, they were struck by lightning and all died instantly.
Dickson Kamuhanda, an area resident, says that the incident has left Karyeija facing a big loss. Kamuhanda, however, says that the strike did not claim the life of any person in the area. This is not the first lightning-related tragedy in the Kabale and Rubanda districts.
In January 2024, six cows and 12 sheep belonging to Fred Ishungisa, also known as Rukara, a farmer from Ntungamo Village in Katenga Parish, Kaharo Sub-county, were also struck dead by lightning.
On October 20, 2024, Edison Akandwanaho was struck dead by lightning while at home in Kaburara village, Kakore parish, Hamurwa sub-county. On the same day, three women identified as Brenda Nyiramutuzo, Charity Murungi, and Maclean Tumusingize, all residents of Mengo Village, Mengo Ward, Nshanjaare Town Council in the same district, were also struck and injured by lightning.
In December 2024, Treasure Arinda, a 13-year-old son of Vincent Wednesday and a primary five pupil at Kacherere Primary School, and Elia Mwebesa, were struck dead by lightning while collecting firewood near their homes during a heavy downpour.
In September 2021, Stanley Sunday Owoyesiga alias Tissue, 63, a head teacher of Golden Star High School, Ben Kwikiriza, 16, a resident of Rwamuyora village in Muko sub-county, and Bright Orikiriza, a resident of Karambo Village in Rubanda district, were also struck dead by lightning. In August of the same year, Vanesta Ayebare, 15, a pupil at Green Field Nursery and Primary School in Hamurwa town council, was also killed by lightning while sleeping.
The 2021 National Risk and Vulnerability Atlas of Uganda, a booklet that locates areas prone to disasters in the country, including preparedness, response, and management strategies, listed Southwestern Uganda, especially Kanungu and Rubanda districts, as areas prone to landslides, flooding, and lightning.
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