A 14-year-old student of Nakaswa Secondary School in Kasawo Sub-County, Mukono District, has died after lightning struck a group of students as they returned from morning prayers.
The incident occurred on September 17, 2026, at about 6:30am as the students walked towards their dormitory when it started raining. The deceased was identified as Ocaya Uthuman Nasuru, who died at the scene, according to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Public Relations Officer ASP Luke Owoyesigyire.
“The student died at the scene, while the other students survived,” Owoyesigyire said. Police at Nagalama have commenced investigations into the incident and visited the school to examine the scene. The body was conveyed to the City Mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Owoyesigyire said police are also working to review available CCTV footage as part of investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Following the incident, the school has been advised to consider installing additional lightning arresters and strengthening its lightning protection measures to enhance the safety of students.
Police have also urged the public to take precautions as the rainy season continues, particularly during thunderstorms. The public has been advised to seek shelter inside strong, enclosed buildings whenever thunder is heard or lightning is seen, and to avoid standing under trees or remaining in open and exposed areas such as sports fields and hilltops.
People have also been warned against staying near water bodies, swimming pools and other sources of water during thunderstorms, as well as touching electrical appliances, wiring, metal structures and plumbing. Schools and other institutions have been encouraged to install and maintain appropriate lightning protection systems, including lightning arresters.
Police further advised people caught outdoors without immediate access to shelter to move away from isolated trees, poles and other tall objects and avoid lying flat on the ground. Owoyesigyire urged schools and parents to take lightning risks seriously and prioritise the safety of children and students during the rainy season.