KABALE – Residents in Ntungamo village, Katenga Parish, Kaharo Sub County, Ndorwa East County of Kabale District are living under fear after lightning killed 6 cows and 12 sheep.
The cows and sheep belong to Ishungisa Fred a resident of the same area. The calamity occurred on Monday evening amidst heavy downpour, with the family’s herdsman, Samson Ainaamani, grazing a short distance from home. The rains, which commenced around 1Pm, persisted for over 6 hours, marked by intense thunderstorms and lightning, creating a cloudy atmosphere.
Samson Ainaamani, recounting the horrifying event, explained that while seeking shelter under a tree during the rain, he witnessed lightning striking the animals one by one. Overwhelmed by shock, he urgently contacted his family for assistance.
CUE IN SAMSON….ON THE INCIDENT….RR//
Kamwonjo Herbert Rukara, the son of Fred Ishungisa, expressed the family’s shock upon arriving at the scene, discovering the lifeless bodies of 6 cows and 12 sheep.
CUE IN RUKARA…ON THE SHOCK…..RR//
Fred Ishungisa’s wife, Peace Kahimakazi, revealed that this unfortunate incident is not the family’s first encounter with such tragedy, citing a similar occurrence in the 1970s. She emphasized the significant impact on their livelihood, as these animals provided milk for their grandchildren, meat, and were occasionally sold to acquire assets like land.
CUE IN KAHIMAKAZI….ON THE INCIDENT…..RR//
Fred Byamugisha, the LC1 chairperson for Ntungamo Village, expressed the unprecedented nature of the incident, noting that, during his tenure, such a tragedy had never befallen the community. He mentioned rumors of a similar event in the 1970s involving the same family, causing concern among residents for their safety.
CUE IN BYAMUGISHA…ON THE MATTER….RR//
By press time, residents were seen packing meat to take home for preparation. This incident is not isolated, as lightning-related incidents have been frequently observed and reported in Rubanda district.
