Panic and grief swept through Rwengiri Primary School in Kyengando Parish, Kigarama Subcounty, Sheema District after a tragic lightning strike during a heavy rainstorm yesterday afternoon. The incident resulted into the deaths of two pupils and left ten others hospitalized.

The tragedy unfolded around 3:00 PM while students were attending lessons amid a torrential downpour that lasted nearly three hours. Eyewitnesses report that lightning struck a classroom causing immediate chaos and distress among students and staff.

The two students who lost their lives have been identified as Isabellah Kemigisha, a Primary Three pupil, and Benson Beinomugisha of Primary One. The ten pupils injured in the incident were rushed to Bushenyi Medical Centre (BMC) in Kabwohe Town, Sheema Municipality where they are currently receiving treatment.

Among the injured are Akatukunda Blessing, Nuwamanya Sheldon, Kwikiriza Binaisa and Abaasa Seith. The others are; Akankwasa Blossom, Owokunda Poline, Turibamwe Alvin and Mpumwire Racheal; Ainomugisha Alicious, Mutaka Andrew, Owembabazi Vanisha, Ampiire Shanirah, Mutesi Rinah, and Mathias Twinomuhangi

The headteacher of Rwengiri Primary School, Bernards Bangirana confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Authorities and school officials continue to assess the situation as the community mourns the loss of the young students and prays for the recovery of the injured.

Mbarara City is experiencing significant disruptions in the ongoing national ID enrollment and renewal exercise primarily attributed to low public awareness and inadequate sensitization efforts.

Brig.Gen. Stephen Kwiringira, the Director of Registration and Operations at National Identification Registration Agency (NIRA) disclosed these issues during a meeting with the Mbarara City Coordination Committee held yesterday. He pointed out that technical problems with the computers used in the registration process coupled with logistical difficulties in reaching remote and hard-to-access areas are hampering the exercise.

Kwiringira also emphasized that delays in community mobilization efforts are a major factor affecting the smooth implementation of the registration activities.

Meanwhile, Dan Ataaho Kyamuzigita, the Mbarara District ID Registration Officer called on Ugandans to actively participate in the ongoing registration which is set to continue until November. He warned that individuals who fail to comply with the registration requirements risk facing penalty fees.

The challenges faced in Mbarara highlight the need for increased awareness campaigns and improved logistical support to ensure the success of the national ID registration process across the country.

Police in Kisoro district are investigating the mysterious death of Allan Maniragaba,32 a resident of Kinyababa Cell in Kyanika Town Council, Kisoro District. The incident is believed to have occurred during the night of June 15, 2025 under unclear circumstances.

The deceased reportedly went to work at the Kyanika boda boda stage on the evening of June 15 where he was seen throughout the day. He was later seen at Junction Bar along Kyanika Road drinking coffee waragi with friends.

According to reports, he left the social gathering after dark and his wife made several unsuccessful attempts to reach him via phone.

The following morning at approximately 7:00 a.m. pupils on their way to school discovered Maniragaba lying dead along the road a few meters from his home. The pupils notified local residents including Area Chairperson George Biriko who promptly reported the incident to Kyahi Police Station. The police responded quickly visiting the scene to conduct investigations.

The crime scene was processed and documented, with witnesses providing statements. Authorities recovered vomitus from the scene for toxicological analysis. The body was transported to Kisoro Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.

Kigezi Police Region spokesperson Elly Mate confirmed the developments and assured the public that authorities are working to establish the exact cause of death but investigations have resulted into arrest of Emmanuel Twesigye,32 a boda boda rider from Kabara Village, Nyakabingo Parish, Kyahi Sub-county, was found in possession of the deceased’s mobile phone. He was arrested to assist police with the ongoing investigation.

Residents of Lwemiyaga County in Ssembabule District have experienced heated political tensions during a church fundraising event at Mt. Sinai Church on Sunday June 15 as rival aspirants clashed publicly. The incumbent Member of Parliament for Lwemiyaga county, Hon. Theodore Ssekikubo and his main challenger Gen. Emmanuel Rwashande faced off amid accusations and disruptions.

The confrontation intensified when a group linked to Ssekikubo allegedly prevented Rwashande from addressing the congregation claiming they were tired of his remarks and accusing him of insulting their candidate. Meanwhile the Lwemiyaga lawmaker who had a microphone called on Rwashande to come forward as the fundraiser continued fueling the tension.

In an interview with Kazo Fm, Ssekikubo criticized Rwashande’s campaign style condemning what he called arrogance and disrespect towards residents. “Gen. Rwashande should stop speaking arrogantly as if he is the only person in the constituency,” Sekikubo said. “He thinks he can become a Member of Parliament even with just three votes; that’s not how politics should be conducted.”

In another political exchange, Minister Haniifah Kawooya accused Mawogola County MP Gorreth Namugga of undermining development projects in Sembabule. “Stop underlooking and tarnishing the projects I’ve brought to Sembabule,” Kawooya told Namugga. “If you dislike me, don’t mislead the beneficiaries; you’ve done nothing for Mawogola except shouting in parliament.”

Patrick Nkalubo, the district chairperson acknowledged the progress made through various projects especially in healthcare and called for mutual respect among politicians to foster development.