Updated by Faith Barbara Namagembe at 2047 EAT on Monday 18th July 2022.

A thunderbolt has claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy and critically injured five others in Buliisa. The deceased has been identified as Howard Okello, a son of Peter Okecha, the LC III chairperson of Biiso town council.

The incident happened at around 5:30 pm on Saturday evening. The children were playing during a heavy downpour when the lightning bolt struck, killing the teenager on the spot and injuring his peers. The injured were rushed to Biiso health center IV where they are receiving treatment.   

The deceased’s father, Okecha told URN that he was out of Buliisa when he received the saddening news about the death of his son.  

“It is unfortunate that I have lost my child who was killed by lightning. I put everything before God because currently, I’m speechless and out of the district”, said Okecha.

Vincent Othuba, a resident of Biiso trading centre, said that he heard the children screaming for help after the lightning bolt. He says that they rushed to rescue the children only to find one of them lying dead. Dr Nelson Naisye, the Buliisa district health officer, says those who were rushed to Biiso health centre IV are responding well to treatment.