By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
MITOOMA
Two people were electrocuted in Mitooma district during Pentecostal prayers conference on Friday, police said.
Christian Gumoshabe, 14, a pupil in Rurehe village, Rurehe North parish, Kabira sub-county and Patience Kabahinda, 16, a S.2 student at Nyakishojwa SSS and resident of Buhasha A Lc1, Ryengyerero Parish, Rurehe Subcounty both in Mitooma district were attending prayers at Nyakishojwa SSS playgrounds organised by the Nyakishojwa Catholic parish curate priest, Rev. Fr. Leonard Kamukama aka Owahamusitari.
It is alleged that the person hired to provide Public Address systems (PAS) and lighting used uninsulated electric wires and left cables on the ground making the metallic tent stand electrified after heavy rains which made the place waterlogged.
“Gumoshabe Christian got electrocuted and fainted, Kabahinda Patience an usher rushed to carry Gumoshabe thinking he had been attacked by evil spirits and she also got electrocuted upon touching the body of Gumoshabe, both died on the way to Hospital,” police reported.
SSP Martial Tumusiime, the spokesperson for greater Bushenyi region police said one suspect was arrested to aid police in investigations.
He identified the suspect as Guloba Anatoli Mbaasa, 30, a mechanic, resident of Irangara village Kabira Sub county in Mitooma district.
According to Martial, the suspect was not an electrician something that shows act of negligence. He confirmed reports of his arrest.
“It was established that the source of electricity for running the sound system and lighting was a generator,” he added.
Police said the duo died on the way to a hospital in Ishaka Bushenyi and bodies were handed to families after a postmortem.
“Post mortem was conducted at the scene by Dr Oloya Patrick of Mitooma Health Center IV. A postmortem retrieved and attached on file.Suspect arrested,” said Martial.
Police attributed the cause of death to hearts failure as a result of electrocution. According to police, this was due to rush and negligent act. Inquiries were instituted Vide Mitooma CRB: 299/2024
