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The victims had sought shelter on a verandah after being caught in the rain while digging in gardens in Ruhwabwoba and Kidede villages
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Ntungamo
Tragedy struck in Rwakashanga Cell, Rwahi Town Council, Ntungamo District, when five people were killed by lightning during a heavy downpour on Tuesday evening. According to police, the incident occurred at around 5:00 p.m. on August 19, 2025. The victims had sought shelter on a verandah after being caught in the rain while digging in gardens in Ruhwabwoba and Kidede villages.
The deceased have been identified as Taremwa Edgar (38), Nduhukire Jackline (44), Mwaka Alexander (25), and two unidentified male adults believed to be residents of Ruhaama in Ntungamo District, aged approximately 50 and 30.
“It is alleged that eight people had gone to dig in the gardens. When it began to rain heavily, they ran for shelter in a nearby home, but since the doors were closed, they remained on the verandah. Lightning struck once and killed the five victims instantly,” said SP Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi Region Police spokesperson.
Police confirmed that four of the identified bodies were handed over to their families for burial, while the unidentified victim was taken to Itojo Hospital mortuary pending identification.
Authorities have urged residents to take precautions during thunderstorms, including avoiding sheltering in open spaces, verandahs, and under trees.
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