OYAM, Uganda – Tragedy struck Global View Primary School in Nora Village, Kamdini Sub-county, Oyam District, on Tuesday afternoon when a lightning strike left one teacher dead and 16 pupils injured.
The incident occurred at around 3:00 PM on February 17, 2026, during school hours. According to a statement from the North Kyoga Regional Police, the lightning strike resulted in injuries to sixteen pupils and two teachers.
The injured pupils were rushed to Diicunyi Health Centre III for immediate medical attention. One of the teachers, identified as Otim Jimmy, was taken to Atapara Hospital for treatment. However, a second teacher, identified only as Joseph, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Atapara Hospital. His body remains at the hospital as authorities await further instructions.
Police officers from Kamdini Police Station responded promptly to the scene. Under the supervision of Sgt. Opira, officers used vehicle registration UP 9771, driven by Sgt. Akena, to transport the victims to the respective health facilities.
"The territorial police of Oyam registered an incident in which lightning struck Global View Primary School," confirmed Patrick Jimmy Okema, the Public Relations Officer for the North Kyoga Region. "Police officers responded promptly to the incident point and transported the victims to health facilities."
Authorities have stated that they will revisit the scene as part of ongoing investigations to fully establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. The particulars of the sixteen injured pupils are yet to be obtained, and police have promised to provide updates as more information becomes available.
"We will continue to investigate the incident thoroughly to establish all circumstances and ensure appropriate measures are taken," Okema added.
This tragic event highlights the dangers of lightning strikes during Uganda's rainy seasons, particularly in open or vulnerable structures. The community of Nora Village and the wider Oyam District are now mourning the loss of an educator while praying for the swift recovery of the injured pupils and teacher.
