At least six people were pronounced dead on Thursday after they were electrocuted at a wedding in Mubende district. According to Wamala regional police spokesperson, Racheal Kawala, the incident happened at Butawata market, Butawata E village, Kigando parish, Kigandoo Subcounty.
Kawala identified the deceased as Asaba Godwin Bidewa 40, resident of Kigando village, Byamukama Boaz 51, resident Namugongo village, Ayebazibwe Jordan 22, resident of Butawata “W Village, Walusimbi George 19, resident of Rwensha village, Kakuru Ambrose 30, a resident of Lusanga village, and Kyozzo Nasasira innocent 32, resident of Kabateza “B”village.
Polices’ preliminary findings indicate that deceased persons were hired by Otamugaya Nelson (groom) to erect tents for his wedding function which was scheduled to take place yesterday at about 12pm at Butawata Market ground.
“It is alleged while erecting the tent, its metallic edge got in contact with electricity wire/lines there by causing electrocution resulting into the death of six. The deceased persons were electrocuted by three phase lines,” Kawala said.
Police team led by DPC Mubende and Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (UEDCL) responded to the scene of crime. Police have opened up a case of Rush and Neglect Act causing death has been opened up and investigations have commenced vide KSB CRB: 160/202.
“The Scene of Crime was examined and documented and statements of relevant witnesses have been recorded. The bodies of the deceased persons have been taken to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital Mortuary for Postmortem,” Kawala said.
According to police, one Otamugaya Nelson the groom and a former teacher at Kigando SEED Secondary school was rushed to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital for first aid after collapsing due to the shock and is currently admitted.
“However the area police had not been informed about the function. It has also been established that people in that area had illegal power connections. We caution members of the public against illegal power connections as it is life threatening,” Kawala added.