Kiryandongo authorities resolve to relocate school after repeated lightning strikes

Kiryandongo: Authorities in Kiryandongo District have resolved to relocate Runyanya Primary School following repeated lightning strikes that have continued to endanger the lives of pupils, teachers, and nearby residents.

The latest incident occurred on July 5, when lightning struck the school’s staff quarters, barely a week after International Lightning Day, commemorated annually on June 28. The strike sparked fresh concern among parents and community leaders, prompting district officials to fast-track plans to move the school to a safer location.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting, the school’s headteacher, Sarah Ngonzebwa, said the latest strike forced the school to send learners home to allow investigations into the safety of the premises.

“Our enrolment has dropped from over 800 pupils to fewer than 700 because parents are living in fear after repeated lightning strikes destroyed property worth millions of shillings,” Ngonzebwa said.

She noted that ACLENet had installed certified lightning protection systems in all classroom blocks and conducted lightning safety training for learners and staff.

“Although the unprotected staff houses were struck, the protected classrooms remained safe. This proves that certified lightning protection systems work. We appeal to all schools to invest in proper lightning protection to safeguard learners and buildings,” she added.

Ngonzebwa also appealed to the district to renovate the damaged staff quarters, establish a school sick bay, and declare Runyanya Primary School Uganda’s National Lightning Education and Learning Centre.

Following an inspection on Saturday, Kiryandongo District Electrical Officer Julius Ochaya found that the earthing system in the staff quarters measured 160 volts, far above the recommended 7 volts, while the Primary Six and Primary Seven classroom blocks registered 57 volts. He also identified cracked walls, exposed electrical wiring, and the absence of lightning arresters on the affected staff houses.

According to ACLENet, the school sits between 335 metres and 1,500 metres from a high-risk lightning zone and is located next to a wetland and bushland, conditions that significantly increase lightning activity.

Ochaya recommended that the district engage climate and environmental experts to conduct detailed studies before any further infrastructure development.

Kiryandongo LCV Chairperson Nelson Osaga said the district executive had agreed that relocating the school was the safest option.

“Lightning incidents continue to occur in this area. The district executive has recommended relocating the school, and as we plan for that, Primary Seven candidates will temporarily study in neighbouring schools,” Osaga said.

A stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled for next Wednesday to identify a suitable relocation site. Kiryandongo Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Willison Tugume said the parish already has five acres of land available for the new school.

The District Senior Inspector of Schools, Johnson Katusabe, urged residents to support the relocation process.

“This should not be politicized. Children have previously lost their lives due to lightning in this area. Our priority is to protect learners, and the school will retain its name even after relocation,” Katusabe said.

During the meeting, former NRM Chairperson Basome Balikwa asked the Resident District Commissioner’s office to clarify ownership of the current school land.

An old boy of the school, Joseph Wesike, questioned why the district could not simply install more lightning arresters instead of relocating the school. Officials responded that making the current site safe would cost approximately Shs147 million.

Parent and former pupil Irene Nalyaka said she fears for the safety of her four children who attend the school.

“Every time it rains, we worry about our children. We need a permanent solution to guarantee their safety,” she said.

District Councillor Mildred Nyangoma and Richard Mukambi called for compensation for families affected by previous lightning incidents while urging residents to remain calm.

Meanwhile, Deputy RDC Jonathan Akwetereho said government records indicate that no compensation has yet been paid to affected families.

“This area experiences high atmospheric electrical activity. I have directed the Chief Administrative Officer to supervise safety measures in all schools. We also need parents to install lightning arresters in their homes because safety begins there,” Akwetereho said.

He further blamed the theft of lightning arresters and poor workmanship by some contractors for undermining efforts to protect public institutions.

The Office of the President has pledged to follow up on all issues surrounding Runyanya Primary School, including the relocation process and the safety of learners and staff.

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