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Oyam schools ordered to install lightning arresters

30 March 2026, 8:08 pm

David Adea, the District Education Officer of Oyam, during the Annual General Meeting at Loro Secondary School.

By Eman Yona Oruk

David Adea, the District Education Officer of Oyam District, has instructed all schools in the district to purchase and install lightning arresters on iron-sheet roofs to protect learners and school property from lightning strikes.

Adea issued the directive while addressing parents and stakeholders during the Annual General Meeting at Loro Secondary School in Loro Town Council. He expressed concern that many schools lack lightning arresters, noting that the absence of such protection has resulted in tragic losses of students. He observed that only one arrester had been installed at Loro Secondary School and urged parents to coordinate with school administrations to ensure their installation.

David Adea speaking on the installation of lightning arresters during the Annual General Meeting at Loro Secondary School in Loro Town Council.

Robert Ekwaro, the LC3 Chairperson of Loro Sub county, welcomed the initiative, emphasising that lightning often strikes students, sometimes exacerbated by mobile phones carried by learners. He urged parents not to allow children to bring phones to school.

Robert Ekwaro speaking on lightning safety during the Annual General Meeting at Loro Secondary School in Loro Town Council.

Vicky Atim Oyite, a parent and LC5 Councillor for Loro Sub county and Town Council, also supported the directive, saying it will save lives. She emphasised the anguish parents feel when sending their children to school safely, only to receive news of their death due to lightning.

Vicky Atim Oyite, a parent and LC5 Councillor for Loro Sub‑county and Town Council, speaking on lightning safety during the Annual General Meeting at Loro Secondary School in Loro Town Council.

Parents in the community echoed similar sentiments. Alex Ogonya, a parent from Anoto Ocao Village in Loro Sub county, described the directive as timely and necessary, adding that “no parent should continue to lose children to lightning when preventive measures exist.” Milly Ajok of Dago Itolo Village in Aber Sub county agreed, noting that “the safety of learners must come first, and installing arresters will give parents peace of mind.”

The directive follows a tragic incident last week when lightning struck Atapara Secondary School, killing Senior Six student Akona Isaac. Another strike at Global View Nursery and Primary School in Juma Parish, Kamdini Sub county, claimed the life of teacher Joseph Ebwanga, aged 26, and injured 18 pupils, mostly from Primary Four and Five.