Fighting Lightning Fatalities: ACLENet and Local Governments Boost Safety in Uganda

Uganda records some of the world’s highest rates of lightning-related fatalities, according to data cited by the World Meteorological Organization.

In Oleba Town Council, Maracha District, lightning struck a grass-thatched house between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., killing six members of one family. Maracha District Police Commander Mr. Taban Swaib confirmed the deaths of 37-year-old Amandu Geoffrey, his wife Enyaru Harriet, 31, and their four children: Desire Patience, 9; Lekuru Jovia, 7; Ayikoru Blessing, 5; and Martha Gelida, 1.

Other recent fatalities include Senior Six student Akona Isaac at Atapara Secondary School in Oyam District. On February 17, a strike at Global View Nursery and Primary School in Kamdini Sub-county, Oyam District, killed 26-year-old teacher Joseph Ebwanga and critically injured three teachers and 18 pupils.

These events follow a November 2024 strike during a church service in Lamwo District that killed 14 people and injured 34 others. Additional mass casualty incidents have been reported in Nebbi District, where dozens of pupils were struck during a school event.

ACLENet Protection Systems and School Installations

Jane Kisha, Communications Director at the African Centres for Lightning Education Network (ACLENet), stated that deaths and property damage can be reduced through the installation of proper lightning protection systems and increased public awareness. ACLENet is Uganda’s only non-profit organization dedicated specifically to reducing lightning-related casualties.

The organization has installed lightning protection systems in nine schools to date. These include:

• Runyanya Primary School (Kiryandongo District)
• Buramba Primary School (Bushenyi District)
• Nkurungiro Primary School (Kisoro District)
• Shone Primary School (Kyankwanzi District)
• Palabek Secondary School (Lamwo District)
• Rock View Primary School (Tororo District)
• Mongoyo Primary School
• Mulabana Primary School (Kalangala District)
• Bumangi Primary School (Kalangala District)

ACLENet reports these installations have created safer environments for more than 21,000 teachers and learners. To maintain this awareness, the organization established 11 Lightning Safety Clubs within schools.

Government Partnerships and Community Outreach

ACLENet has signed Memorandums of Understanding with local governments in Tororo, Kiryandongo, and Bushenyi districts. The organization also collaborates with authorities in Lamwo, Moyo, Kalangala, Kisoro, and Kyankwanzi.

On August 4, ACLENet conducted a sensitization program in Tororo District. Aidah Kiden, Ass. RDC Tororo District, acknowledged the impact of repeated lightning incidents on local families and pledged support for awareness campaigns. This support includes providing free radio airtime on two local stations to educate the public on safety.

During the Tororo engagement, technical experts Isaac Tumuhimbise and Godwin Atwiiner explained the science of lightning and urged communities to protect installed systems from vandalism. School administrators committed to maintaining these systems to protect staff and students.

Research and Future Risk Reduction

For over a decade, ACLENet has investigated major disasters to establish causes and assess protection effectiveness. In partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister, the organization investigated the 2024 Palabek Refugee Settlement disaster in Lamwo District. Other investigations focused on incidents at Mongoyo Primary School in Yumbe, Ayivu Village in Arua, and Oweko Primary School in Nebbi.

The organization’s current partners include the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Office of the Prime Minister, and various religious and community leaders.

Planned interventions for 2026 include lightning risk surveys at Atapara Secondary School and Global View Nursery and Primary School in Oyam District on August 24. Atapara Secondary School has been identified as the next site for a protection system installation. ACLENet is also considering schools in Lira and Amolatar districts for future projects.

In September 2026, ACLENet plans to train 15 journalists in science communication, data journalism, and investigative reporting to improve the public’s understanding of lightning risks.