A 58-year-old man in Rukungiri district died instantly after lightning struck amidst Thursday’s heavy downpour leaving two other people seriously injured.

The deceased identified as Patrick Gareeba was a resident of Nyakitabata village in Kakindo Parish in Bugangari Sub County, Rukungiri district. While the injured were a 58-year-old female, Harriet Tugume, and Evas Korugyendo, 57, all from the same village.

Kigezi Regional Police Spokesman Elly Maate has confirmed that the incident took place late on Thursday evening in Omukatooma Trading Center during the heavy rains that marred the area.

Maate said that the deceased was an employee at Bugangari Senior Secondary School where he worked as a cook.

He urged leaders to install lightning arrestors in trading centers and other public places like churches and schools in the place since it is known as a site of lightning.

The headteacher of Bugangari SS, Tembo Tiragana said Gareba had worked with the school for the last 25 years.

“He was one of the hard-working staff at our school and was remaining with just two years to retire officially from service, we shall indeed miss his service,” Tiragana said.

He added that the burial will be on Friday at his home at Omukatoma, Nyakitabata Bugangari.