A thunderous roar shook the skies before a fierce lightning bolt struck an electricity pole near a classroom, surging through the wires and into Rwengiri Primary School. The resulting blast was described as a “deafening crack,” as if the sky had been torn apart.
Chaos immediately ensued—pupils screamed and scattered, some collapsing in panic. When calm returned, two children—Isabellah Kemigisha, aged 8, and Benson Beinomugisha, aged 6—were found dead, their young lives cut short.
Fifteen other pupils sustained injuries and were rushed to Bushenyi Medical Centre (BIM) Hospital in Kabwohe, Sheema Municipality. The injured include:
- Blessing Akatukunda
- Sheldon Nuwamanya
- Kwikiriza Binaisa
- Seith Abaasa
- Blossom Akankwasa
- Poline Owokunda
- Alvin Turibamwe
- Mpumwire Racheal
- Alicious Ainomugisha
- Andrew Mutaka
- Owembabazi Vanisha
- Shanirah Ampiire
- Rinah Mutesi
- Mathias Twinomuhangi
The school’s headteacher, Mr. Bernards Bangirana, told media that the lightning struck a power pole near the school, likely channeling electricity into the classrooms via wiring.
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“It was terrifying—the sound was unbearable. Children screamed and started collapsing. This is a very dark day for our school and community,” he said.
Rev. Ven. Joseph Mweyungye, the West Ankole Diocesan Secretary, visited the victims in hospital and expressed condolences to the families. He urged the community to stay strong and refrain from spreading false information.
“We grieve with you and pray for healing. Let us remain united and grounded in faith,” he said.
This is not the first tragedy of its kind in Sheema District. On January 13, 2024, lightning killed four siblings from the same family in Kimondo II Cell, Kitagata town council. The children—Trevor Mujuni (11), Shanitah Akankunda (9), Comfort Nahabwe (10), and Lonnet Ainembabazi (7)—were struck while sheltering in a kitchen during a downpour.
These repeated lightning tragedies have left Sheema communities in mourning and raised renewed concerns over the safety of children during storms.
Kigarama Sub-county LC5 councillor Kenneth Nuwagira called on the government to urgently install lightning arrestors in schools and public buildings within lightning-prone areas.
These devices help channel lightning safely into the ground, preventing deaths and property damage.
Despite a government directive issued 13 years ago requiring schools to install lightning protection systems, many institutions have yet to comply.
As of the time of reporting, police had not released an official statement regarding the incident.
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