15 years after Runyanya lightning tragedy, community and partners push for safer schools

Kiryandongo: Fifteen years after a devastating lightning strike killed 18 pupils and injured at least 38 others at Runyanya Primary School in Kikuube Parish, Kiryandongo District, survivors, bereaved families, local leaders, and the African Centre for Lightning Education Network (ACLENet) have renewed calls for stronger school safety measures, government compensation, and official recognition of the tragedy.

The memorial service, held at Runyanya Primary School, commemorated the victims of the June 28, 2011 disaster, one of the deadliest lightning incidents in Uganda’s history.

Leading the memorial prayers, Ordinand Birungi Sylvia Ceka Atwooki preached from Psalms 39, urging mourners to remain faithful despite the pain of losing loved ones.

“Many people lose hope when relatives die. David said, ‘I will guard my ways and keep away from sin.’ When we lose loved ones, life changes under pressure, but through prayer, we find strength to carry on,” she said.

Rev. Laiter called upon Christians to seek God’s forgiveness and continue praying for the souls of those who perished.

During the service, the names of the children who lost their lives were read in remembrance. They included Katusime Doreen (8), Asana Sarah (15), Otim Lawrence (15), Apio Teddy (15), Tegeka Dorcus (14), Aliganyira Moses (17), Katusime Lydia (15), Asiimwe Olivia (12), Nansamba Meboline (7), Olilla Servirino (11), Mutembo Esther, Atim Janet, Emeturo Evas (10), Salume (10), Salume Nabiito (10), Kilande Justin, Byakutaga Alex (10), among others.

Runyanya LC I Chairperson Mutembo Wilson vividly recalled the tragic afternoon.

“It was around 2 p.m. when heavy rain started, followed by lightning and thunder. We entered the classrooms and found children lying dead, while others were struggling for life. Some later died at the hospital. It is a day our community will never forget,” he said.

Parents who lost children said the pain remains as fresh today as it was fifteen years ago.

Kasangaki Chersea, whose son Moses Aliganyira died in the disaster, said he still fears thunderstorms.

“We tried everything possible to save our children, but it was in vain. Every time it rains with thunder, the memories return.”

Survivor Kizza David, now a Senior Six student, said he remains grateful to be alive.

“I lost consciousness that day. Many of my classmates later changed schools because they feared lightning. I thank God for sparing my life.”

Mary Ngande, a nurse who survived a separate lightning strike in 2001 but was left with permanent paralysis in her legs, urged communities to reject myths surrounding lightning.

“Lightning does not choose people because of witchcraft. It is a natural event. I thank the donors who installed the lightning arrester and encourage people to believe the facts.”

Teacher Harriet Nabukalu remembered the chaos that followed the strike.

“More than 100 children were unconscious or injured. It was one of the most painful days in the history of this school.”

Headteacher Sarah Ngonzebwa thanked ACLENet for installing a lightning protection system at the school but appealed for additional support.

“Our biggest challenge now is that encroachers continue tampering with the lightning protection equipment. The school also needs fencing to secure the installation.”

ACLENet Managing Director Professor Mary Ann Cooper was recognised for her global efforts in promoting lightning safety. Through her advocacy, June 28 is now observed internationally as International Lightning Safety Day.

Professor Cooper has dedicated decades to researching lightning injury prevention, promoting public education, supporting survivors, and advocating for improved lightning safety, particularly in vulnerable communities across Africa.

Through ACLENet, lightning protection systems have been installed in several schools across Uganda, including Runyanya Primary School in Kiryandongo, Buramba Primary School in Bushenyi, Nkulungiro Primary School in Kisoro, Shone Primary School in Kyankwanzi, Palabek Secondary School in Lamwo, Rock View Primary School in Tororo, Mongoyo Primary School in Yumbe, Mulabana Primary School in Kalangala, and Atoroma Primary School in Katakwi District.

ACLENet School Protection Manager Martin Omara said the organisation’s intervention was inspired by the Runyanya tragedy.

“This project started here after 18 children lost their lives and many others were injured. The tragedy attracted global attention and inspired stronger efforts to improve lightning safety. Today we commemorate International Lightning Safety Day to raise awareness and save lives.”

Education Coordinator Godwin Atwin said ACLENet is working to eliminate widespread misconceptions that lightning is caused by witchcraft.

“Lightning is a natural weather event caused by electrical activity during thunderstorms. Nobody can summon or direct lightning. Understanding the science helps communities stay safe.”

ACLENet Director of Communications Jane Kisha said the organisation has rolled out nationwide lightning safety education programmes, produced children’s books on lightning safety, and is in advanced discussions with partners in France to introduce lightning alarm systems in schools to provide early warning during storms.

Local leaders used the commemoration to renew calls for justice and lasting remembrance.

Kiryandongo Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Willison Tugume pledged to lobby for June 28 to be recognised as a district public holiday. He also promised to follow up on government compensation for affected families and push for a budget to fence Runyanya Primary School to protect the lightning protection infrastructure.

District Woman Councillor Mildred Nyangoma urged government to formally recognise the annual commemoration.

“This is a memorable day for our loved ones. I will engage all stakeholders to have June 28 recognised as ‘Runyanya Day.’ It is painful that such an important day is marked by only a few people. Government must honour its commitment to compensate the affected families, and this matter should reach all responsible ministers.”

Fifteen years later, the scars of the Runyanya tragedy remain visible. However, survivors, families, community leaders and ACLENet say continued investment in lightning protection, public education and school safety offers hope that no other school will suffer a similar disaster.

Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.