By Shivan Tuhirirwe,
IGANGA
Local authorities in Iganga district have called on the government to reinforce the policy to have all schools installed with lightning arresters as schools are officially reopening for a new academic year.
Ezra Gabula, the Iganga district LCV chairperson said many schools in the district lack lightning arresters despite efforts by the government to enforce their installation few years ago.
“Most of the schools in my district are operating without lightning arresters, the government should enforce their installation as schools prepare to open on Monday.”
The demands follow a tragic death of a female teacher at Nambale Primary School in Nambale sub-county, Iganga District who was struck dead by lightning.
The deceased, Joy Kanage was walking in the school football field where she had reportedly gone to collect goats as it threatened to rain, when lightning struck her.
The Nambale sub-county LC3 chairman, Nasur Ibanda confirmed the death of the teacher saying police visited the scene and handed over body to the relatives for burial.
“Police handed over the body to her relatives for burial since it was confirmed that the cause of her death was lightning. Police visited the scene, but never took the body for a postmortem because the cause of death was known,’’ said Ibanda.
Baker Kasadhakawo, Iganga District Education Officer said the lightning arresters installed in many schools are not operating because of the long meters (radius) from buildings.
