Lightning kills two pupils, injures 15 in Sheema
“It was a terrifying moment. The sound was deafening. Pupils began screaming and collapsing. It’s a dark day for the school and the community,” Bangirana said.
Fifteen other pupils sustained injuries and are currently admitted to Bushenyi Medical Centre (BIM) Hospital in Kabwohe town, Sheema Municipality. (Photo by Bruno Mugizi)
By Bruno Mugizi
Journalists @New Vision
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Rwengiri Primary School trembled when the heavens roared on Thursday, June 20, 2025.
The growl of thunder was followed by a lightning bolt, fierce and unrelenting, tearing through an electricity pole near a classroom, riding the wires into the heart of the school. The sound? A “deafening” crack, as if the sky itself had split open.
It is then that panic erupted and pupils screamed. Tiny bodies 'crumbled'. When the chaos cleared, two pupils: Isabellah Kemigisha, 8, and Benson Beinomugisha, 6, lay lifeless, their futures extinguished.
Fifteen other pupils sustained injuries and are currently admitted to Bushenyi Medical Centre (BIM) Hospital in Kabwohe town, Sheema Municipality.
The victims include,
- Blessing Akatukunda
- Sheldon Nuwamanya
- Kwikiriza Binaisa
- Seith Abaasa
- Blossom Akankwasa
- Poline Owokunda
- Alvin Turibamwe
- Mpumwire Racheal
- Alicious Ainomugisha
- Andrew Mutaka
- Owembabazi Vanisha
- Shanirah Ampiire
- Rinah Mutesi
- Mathias Twinomuhangi
Rwengiri Primary School headteacher Bernards Bangirana, told New Vision Online that lightning struck an electricity pole near the school and likely travelled into the classrooms through electrical wiring.
“It was a terrifying moment. The sound was deafening. Pupils began screaming and collapsing. It’s a dark day for the school and the community,” Bangirana said.
West Ankole Diocesan Secretary the Rev. Ven. Joseph Mweyungye visited the injured children at BIM Hospital and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
He encouraged the community to remain strong in faith and avoid spreading misinformation.
“We mourn with you and pray that God gives you comfort. Let us stand firm and not give in to rumours,” Mweyungye said.
This is not the first time lightning has struck in Sheema district.
On January 13, 2024, a similar tragedy occurred in Kimondo II Cell, Kitagata Ward, Kitagata town council, when four children from the same family, all students of Kitagata Central Primary School, were killed by lightning while at home during an evening downpour.
The deceased siblings Trevor Mujuni (11), Shanitah Akankunda (9), Comfort Nahabwe (10), and Lonnet Ainembabazi (7) — had taken shelter in the kitchen when they were fatally struck at around 5:50 PM.
The double tragedies have left Sheema communities devastated and reignited concern over the vulnerability of schoolchildren and households during lightning storms.
Kigarama sub-county LC5 councillor Kenneth Nuwagira called on the Government to urgently install lightning arrestors in schools and other public buildings across lightning-prone areas.
Lightning arresters redirect electrical surges safely to the ground, preventing injury and structural damage.
It is 13 years since the government directed all schools to install these gadgets, and many are yet to comply for various reasons.
By the time of filing this story, Police had not yet issued an official statement.