Lightning strike kills three children in Kiryandongo
She said the children were rushed to a health facility, where three were pronounced dead while the other three were admitted for treatment.
Kiryandongo: Three children have been killed by lightning in Kikunya Village, Mboira Sub County, Kiryandongo District, in the latest incident to raise concern over the growing number of lightning strikes in the area.
The incident occurred on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at around 2 p.m. when lightning struck a house where six children had taken shelter. The children, aged between five and seven years, had reportedly just returned from school.
The deceased have been identified as Sam, Arnold and Abooki.
Grace Nanyonga, their mother, said she was in the kitchen preparing food when she heard a loud sound and rushed to check on the children.
“When I rushed to the house, I found three children crying while the other three were lying on the ground,” Nanyonga said.
She said the children were rushed to a health facility, where three were pronounced dead while the other three were admitted for treatment.
Sunday Paul, the LC1 Chairperson of Kikunya Village, confirmed the incident and said the area has experienced other lightning-related incidents.
He said a man in a neighbouring village was also struck by lightning on Tuesday.
Paul urged residents to take precautions during thunderstorms, including avoiding outdoor activities and seeking shelter in safe places.
The latest incident comes days after lightning struck and killed a man in Nyantonzi Sub County, Masindi District, while he was sleeping with his wife. His wife survived the incident.
Repeated lightning strikes
Kiryandongo District has recorded several lightning strikes in recent years, some of which have resulted in deaths, injuries and destruction of property.
On July 5, 2026, lightning struck staff quarters at Runyanya Primary School, reviving concerns over the safety of learners, teachers and residents in the area.
Authorities subsequently resolved to relocate the school following repeated lightning strikes.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting, Runyanya Primary School headteacher Sarah Ngonzebwa said the latest strike forced the school to send learners home as investigations into the safety of the premises were conducted.
“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.
Ngonzebwa said 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.
She also appealed to the district to renovate the damaged staff quarters, establish a school sick bay and consider declaring Runyanya Primary School Uganda’s National Lightning Education and Learning Centre.
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.
The latest deaths have renewed calls for communities and institutions in lightning-prone areas to strengthen safety measures during thunderstorms.
The incident also recalls the devastating lightning strike at Runyanya Primary School 15 years ago, which killed 18 pupils and injured at least 38 others.
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