Kampala: At least 13 children were among 14 people killed when lightning struck the metal roof of a makeshift church in a Ugandan refugee camp, authorities in the East African country said Sunday. Police reported that the tragic incident occurred in the Palabek settlement camp in northern Uganda, which primarily houses refugees from South Sudan.
According to Anadolu Agency, police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke stated that besides the 14 deceased, 34 others were injured. He added that there were no reports of fire breaking out following the lightning strike. Around 50 people had sought refuge in the church on Saturday evening as a heavy storm swept through the area, leading to several injuries and subsequent admissions to health centers.
Incidents of fatalities due to lightning are commonly reported in Uganda during the wet season. The World Meteorological Organization has noted that Uganda has one of the highest rates of lightning strike deaths globally. In 2021, a similar incident occurred when lightning killed
18 schoolchildren and their teacher in a classroom in the western Kiryandongo district.