Kiryandongo leaders demand compensation 15 years after lightning killed 18 pupils
Residents further appealed to government to install lightning arresters in more schools, strengthen public awareness on lightning safety, and ensure all schools are protected from similar tragedies in the future.
Kiryandongo: Leaders and residents of Runyanya Village in Kiryandongo District have renewed calls for government to compensate families of the victims of the 2011 lightning tragedy that claimed the lives of 18 pupils at Runyanya Primary School.
The demands were made during a memorial service held over the weekend to mark 15 years since the June 28, 2011 disaster, which also left 38 pupils injured.
Speaking during the service, Ordinand Sylvia Ceka Atwooki Birungi urged families who lost loved ones to remain steadfast in faith despite the pain they continue to endure.
“When you lose loved ones, life changes under pressure, but through prayer life is sustained,” she said while preaching from Psalms 39.
Wilson Mutembo, the Runyanya LCI Chairperson recalled the tragic events, saying heavy rain followed by lightning struck classrooms where pupils from Primary Three to Primary Six had gathered.
“It was around 2 p.m. when the rain came, followed by thunder and lightning. We found children dead while others were fighting for their lives. It is a day our community will never forget,” Mutembo said.
Kasangaki Chersea, who lost his son Moses Aliganyira in the tragedy, said the painful memories remain fresh. “I still fear lightning. We tried to save our children, but it was in vain,” he said.
Sarah Ngonzebwa, the Runyanya Primary School Head Teacher thanked the African Centre for Lightning Education Network (ACLE Net) for installing a lightning arrester at the school but said encroachers continue to tamper with the system, calling for a perimeter fence to protect the facility.
ACLE Net School Protection Manager Omara Martin said the organization began its lightning safety programme following the Runyanya tragedy.
“This project started here after 18 children died and 38 were injured. Today, eight schools across Uganda are benefiting from the programme, and every June 28 we commemorate International Lightning Safety Day,” Martin said.
Godwin Atwin, the ACLE Net Education Coordinator urged communities to abandon myths surrounding lightning, emphasizing that it is a natural weather phenomenon caused by electrical activity during thunderstorms and not by witchcraft or traditional practices.
Jane Kisha, the Communications Officer for ACLE said the organization is implementing lightning safety education programmes in schools across the country and plans to introduce an early-warning lightning detection system to help schools prepare for storms.
Wilson Tugume, the Kiryandongo Sub-county LC III Chairperson pledged to lobby for government compensation for the victims’ families, push for June 28 to be recognized as a district public holiday, and secure funding to fence the school.
District Woman Councillor Nyangoma Mildred also called on government to act. “Government has to compensate the victims’ families. This matter should reach all the responsible ministers. We also want June 28 recognized as Runyanya Day so the memories of our children are preserved,” she said.
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