Police in Kampala are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 33-year-old man who was electrocuted while installing internet services at the African Shan Dong Industrial Park in Luzira, Nakawa Division.
The Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, Mr Luke Owoyesigyire, said the incident occurred at about 5pm on Wednesday, July 29.
According to police, the deceased had signed into the company’s visitors’ register earlier that afternoon to install internet services at one of the factories within the industrial park.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the man accessed the roof above the main gate, where partially connected internet cables had been routed, and is suspected to have come into contact with overhead three-phase power lines, resulting in fatal electrocution.
“Upon receiving the report, a team from Kitintale Police responded to the scene. Officers documented and examined it, while technical personnel from the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) and the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services assisted in retrieving the body from the roof,” Mr Owoyesigyire said.
The body was taken to Mulago City Mortuary for a post-mortem examination as investigations continue.
Police said statements have been recorded from witnesses to help establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Mr Owoyesigyire urged companies and individuals undertaking work near electricity infrastructure to strictly observe safety measures.
“We urge individuals and companies undertaking work near electrical installations to observe all safety precautions and ensure power is isolated where necessary before commencing any work to prevent similar tragedies,” he said.
The fatal incident comes amid continued concern over fire and electrical safety in the country.
According to the Police Annual Crime Report 2025, police recorded 1,310 fire incidents and rescue operations during the year, down from 1,595 cases in 2024.
Of these, 1,000 were fire incidents while 310 were rescue operations. Police successfully responded to and managed 970 fires, while 20 incidents had already been contained before emergency teams arrived and 10 turned out to be false alarms.
Kampala Metropolitan Police registered the highest number of fire incidents, recording 184 cases during the year.