A 24-year-old man was found dead in Kansanga, located in the Makindye Division of Kampala, following an electrocution incident at the offices of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) in the area. The event, which took place in Ssebagala Zone, left three other individuals injured and in need of medical care.
Initial reports indicate that this tragic incident occurred while a team was attempting to set up a tent for a registration exercise for individuals. According to police accounts, the metallic tent inadvertently came into contact with an overhead high-voltage power line. This caused the death of Charles Nyanzi, a resident of Simbwa Zone in Zana. It was reported that Nyanzi was helping to move the tent when the incident took place. The injured individuals have been identified as Twinomasiko Bilausio, Ntambi Abraham, and 26-year-old Tanga Asuman. It is said that a local area leader had requested the group to transfer the tent from Seed School Kansanga to a nearby police station where the registration exercise was planned.
“While moving the tent, its metallic frame came into contact with an overhead high-voltage power line, leading to the electrocution of all four individuals,” Owoyesigyire confirmed.
Upon arriving at a nearby healthcare facility, Nyanzi was declared dead. The other victims are receiving medical assistance after being rushed to local hospitals. Luke Owoyesigire, the deputy spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, stated that no arrests have been made related to this incident. Nonetheless, an investigation into possible negligence is currently in progress.
“We encourage members of the public to always be cautious when handling metallic structures, particularly near power lines,” warned Owoyesigyire.
This is not the first time negligence regarding exposed electric wires has led to tragic outcomes. A total of six people in Butwatwa Village, Kagando Sub County in Mubende District were killed instantly while setting up a tent for a wedding. A witness in the area, Muwonge Michael, reported that the six lost their lives when a metallic pole they were trying to lift struck a live electric pole, resulting in their immediate death. Meanwhile, Charles Nyanzi’s remains have been sent to the mortuary for a postmortem examination. Community leaders and authorities have also been urged to prioritize safety during public events and remain vigilant.
