Kwania RDC office to crack down on schools without Lightning arrestors

30 April 2026, 3:20 pm

By Winnie Auma

The Office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) in Kwania District has announced plans to launch an operation targeting schools that lack lightning arrestors, in a bid to improve the safety of learners and teachers.

The Assistant RDC, Ceasor Obada expressed concern that many schools across the district are operating without lightning arrestors, despite the requirement for all schools to have them installed.

He described the situation as risky, especially during the rainy season when lightning incidents are more frequent.Obada attributed the problem to laxity among district and sub-county leaders during the commissioning of school projects.

He noted that some contractors have been allowed to hand over incomplete structures without installing essential safety equipment.

He now says the RDC’s office will take a firm stance moving forward, ensuring strict compliance by contractors and school authorities.

The planned operation will focus on both newly constructed and existing schools to confirm that lightning arrestors are properly installed and functional.

However, Patrick Olwit Ogwang, the Lira District Inspector of Schools, pointed out that even in schools where lightning arrestors exist, some are no longer effective. He blamed this on theft of conductors by unscrupulous individuals within communities, which renders the systems useless and exposes schools to danger.

Meanwhile, engineer Bosco Okello, Director of Bygone Enterprises, emphasized that properly installed lightning arrestors are effective in preventing lightning-related injuries and deaths in schools.

He stressed the importance of community sensitization, noting that people need to understand how the systems work and why they should be protected. He also urged institutions to engage qualified professionals for installation to avoid faulty systems that may fail during critical moments.

The renewed focus on lightning safety follows a series of tragic incidents in the region. In the past month alone, lightning has struck five people. Among the victims was a teacher at Global View Primary School in Kamdini Town Council, Oyam District, who died instantly. A student from Atapara Secondary School in Oyam District also lost their life, while three children in Dokolo Sub-county were injured when lightning struck their home and set it ablaze.