DEADLY SURGE! Lightning Kills Ten Lives in Greater Kabale in One Month

KABALE: At least 10 people have been killed by lightning in Since January this year in greater Kabale District.

Barnabas Akantambira, the country coordinator of the African Centre for Lightning and Electromagnetics Network (ACLENET), reveals that the Greater Kabale region, encompassing Kabale, Kisoro, Rubanda, and Rukiga districts, has witnessed over ten fatalities caused by lightning within just one month, spanning from January to the present date.

Tragedy struck again early this week, on February 6th, 2024, when Paul Ahebwa, a tender one year and eight months old, met his demise as lightning struck him while he lay in bed in Kabale Municipality. Additionally, on February 5th, separate incidents in Kisoro district claimed the lives of Florence Twizerimana, an 18-year-old resident of Rikofe village in Chibumba parish, Murora sub-county, and Flora Nyarandabazi, aged 63, from Chibumba ward in Chahafi Town Council.

The grim toll of lightning-related fatalities extends beyond human life. On January 15th of this year, lightning killed six cows and twelve sheep belonging to Fred Ishungisa, a farmer from Ntugamo village in Katenga parish, Kaharo sub-county of Kabale district.

Tragic memories resurface from last year in March when lightning struck and claimed the lives of Ambrose Kanunu, aged 35, along with his sons Justus Asiimwe, 7, and Arnold Habomugisha, 5, in Rwamuyora village, Nyarurambi parish, Muko sub-county in Rubanda district, as they sought refuge from heavy rainfall in their home.

The haunting toll continued into December 2023, when lightning struck and killed Treasure Arinda, a 13-year-old son of Vicent Wednesday, and Elia Mwebesa, also 13, son of Patrick Barigigye, both residents of Kilwa village, Kiruruma ward, Kacherere Town Council, Rubanda district, as they were gathering firewood.

Akantambira warns of the escalating occurrences of lightning strikes, attributing the surge to population growth, and emphasizes the urgent need for government intervention to raise awareness among the populace and implement protective measures.

CUE IN AKANTAMBIRA….ON CASES AND GOV’T…..ENG//

Nelson Tumushabe, a meteorological officer in Kabale district, links the rising incidence of lightning strikes to climate change. However, Dr. Nicholas Kamara, Member of Parliament for Kabale Municipality, suggests that while government action may be limited, education about the importance of lightning conductors on homes is paramount.

CUE IN MP KAMARA….ON THE MATTER………ENG//