Police in Uganda’s southwestern district of Kisoro have registered a sudden death after a 19-year-old student was allegedly killed by a lightning strike during heavy rainfall, authorities said on Tuesday.
The deceased, identified as Perfect Namara, was struck at around 7:00 pm on February 2, 2026, while inside a house in Kirundo Village, Kasharara Parish, Kirundo Sub-county, according to police.
She was in the house with her father, George Bitwite, and her sister-in-law, Gloria Tuyisishimye, when lightning struck, rendering all three unconscious.
After regaining consciousness, the father discovered that his daughter had died at the scene.
Kigezi regional police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate confirmed the incident, saying the case was reported at Kirundo Police Station by George Irinatwe, 46.
‘It is very unfortunate to lose such a young life. Police were promptly informed, and our officers, together with medical personnel, attended the scene to verify the details,’ ASP Maate said.
‘The body of the deceased remains at the scene pending arrangements for a postmortem examination. Inquiries are ongoing, and we extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family,’ he added.
Police said the victim was a resident of Kirundo Village in Kisoro District. No further injuries were reported following the incident.
Lightning strikes are a recurring hazard in parts of Uganda, particularly during the rainy season.
The natural phenomenon results from electrostatic discharges between charged regions within clouds or between clouds and the Earth, producing intense flashes of light and thunder.
According to government data, more than a dozen people are killed by lightning annually in Uganda, often during heavy rainfall.
Authorities have previously urged communities to observe safety precautions during storms, including avoiding open spaces and unsafe structures, as investigations into the Kisoro incident continue.