Lightning Strikes Tragic Blow at Uganda Refugee Camp, Claims Lives of 13 Children

On a rainy Saturday evening, the refugee camp in northwestern Uganda experienced a tragic lightning strike that resulted in the deaths of 13 children and left 34 others injured. The victims were reportedly attending a church service when the incident occurred. According to Uganda Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, the adult victim was a 21-year-old individual, while the ages of the deceased children have not been disclosed. Palabek Refugee Settlement, home to over 80,000 refugees primarily from South Sudan, is no stranger to such tragedies; a similar incident occurred in 2020 when lightning struck and killed 10 children in Arua city during a football match. This latest disaster highlights the risks faced by vulnerable populations living in such precarious surroundings during extreme weather events.

The Palabek camp, which serves as a refuge for many in need, continues to be affected by the adverse weather conditions, prompting calls for better safety measures during thunderstorms. Local authorities and humanitarian agencies are now reassessing their disaster preparedness protocols to prevent future tragedies.

The incident has sparked conversations on social media about the need for increased awareness and precautionary measures in refugee camps, which often face a multitude of challenges including overcrowding and lack of adequate infrastructure. As the community reels from the shock of the tragedy, the focus now shifts toward supporting the families affected and celebrating the lives lost in this heart-wrenching occurrence.