Grief has engulfed the residents of Ntungamo village, Katenga Parish in Kaharo Sub County,Kabale District after lightning killed six cows and 12 sheep belonging to the family of Ishungisa Fred.
This terrible incident that left residents in shock happened as the family herdsman had gone to graze a few miles from home amidst the heavy downpour.
The rains that started at around 1pm and lasted more than six hours also had thunderstorms, lightning and a cloudy environment across the entire Kabale District.
Samson Ainaamani, the herdsman for the family said, “I was grazing in the hill just a few meters away from the home and as I was seeking for a shade from the rain under the tree, I saw lightning strike the animals as one by one kept on falling down.”
Herbert Rukara, the son to Fred Ishungisa, the owner of the animals said by the time he was called, only four cows and a few sheep had been struck but by the time he reached the scene, more had been affected.
“This shocking incident attracted the village residents who extended a helping hand on slaughtering these animals and carrying them downhill,”Rukara said.
Peace Kahimakazi, the wife of Fred Ishungisa revealed that this is not the first time such an incident has happened to the family.
“It last happened in 1970’s where the family head by then the father of Fred Ishungisa lost lots of cattle as well.”
He said they have been getting milk for their grandchildren, meat and sometimes selling them to earn income.
The LC1 chairman, Fred Byamugisha said he had never seen such an incident all his life.
“For all the time I have been here, such has never happened. I grew up hearing rumors that in 1970s an incident related to this happened to the same family.”
