Two people have been killed and at least two others injured after a lightning strike hit a group of sugarcane workers in Jinja District, eastern Uganda.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, October 29, 2026, in Kamira Village, Namagera Town Council, during a period of rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and hail.
According to reports, the victims were sugarcane cutters working at a weighbridge when the weather conditions worsened. The workers reportedly sought shelter beneath a tree, but lightning struck the area, leaving two people dead and others injured.
The deceased were identified as 21-year-old Abdu Muwereza and 36-year-old Hassan Mubiru. Their deaths have brought renewed attention to the dangers of seeking shelter beneath trees during thunderstorms, particularly in open areas where agricultural workers spend long hours outdoors.
Two of the injured survivors were identified as Issa Gesa, 19, and Ronald Wandali, 18. They were reportedly taken to Buwenge General Hospital for medical attention.
Reports have differed over the number of people injured, with some accounts indicating that three people sustained injuries while another reported two. The final casualty figure had not been consistently established in the reports available.
The incident has prompted concern among local authorities, particularly over the safety of people working in farms and other exposed areas during severe weather.
Jinja District LC5 Chairman Moses Batwala urged residents to avoid taking shelter under trees when thunderstorms occur. He also indicated that he would encourage the district council to consider measures such as installing lightning arresters in schools to improve protection against lightning strikes.
Batwala reportedly pledged to assist with the medical expenses of the injured victims, who were receiving treatment following the incident.
Lightning strikes remain a serious weather-related hazard, especially for people working outdoors. Safety guidance generally advises people to seek shelter inside a substantial building or an enclosed vehicle when thunderstorms approach, rather than standing beneath trees or remaining in open spaces.
The deaths have left the affected families and community mourning, while the incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater awareness of lightning safety among agricultural workers and rural residents.
Further details about the condition of the injured survivors and any additional safety measures being considered by local authorities were not available in the reports reviewed.
Source: Thepressradio.com
