A 19-year-old Senior Five student has died after she was allegedly electrocuted while ironing clothes at a rented house in Mbale City.
The deceased, identified as Adongo Evaline, a student at Gill Sherlock Memorial Secondary School, was found dead on Friday morning at her residence in Namabasa Zone 3A, Doko Ward, Industrial Division.
Elgon Region Police spokesperson SP Rogers Taitika said the incident happened at about 5:45am.
‘Police preliminary investigations indicate that Adongo was ironing clothes inside the sitting room when she came into contact with an electric current and died instantly,’ Mr Taitika said.
He said homicide detectives, Scene of Crime Officers and other investigators visited the scene, where they documented evidence and observed fresh burn marks on the deceased’s left hand, consistent with electrocution.
Preliminary findings indicated that the house had an illegal electricity connection.
The property, owned by Pastor Wabutwa Hassan of Namabasa Zone 3A, was reportedly being rented by nine students, both male and female.
Police arrested Mr Wabutwa and detained him at Industrial Division Police Station to assist with investigations into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and possible liability.
Adongo’s body was taken to Mbale City Mortuary for a postmortem examination as investigations continue.
Mr Taitika conveyed condolences to the student’s family, her school, fellow learners and the wider Mbale community.
‘We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Adongo Evaline, her school, fellow students, and the entire Mbale community during this difficult time,’ he said.
Police warned the public against illegal electricity connections, describing them as dangerous and criminal.
Mr Taitika also urged residents to observe safety precautions when using electrical appliances, including avoiding ironing with wet hands or on wet surfaces.
He advised landlords to ensure rental properties have properly certified electrical installations before allowing occupants to move in.