Police in Kampala are investigating an electrocution incident that left one man dead and three others injured during preparations for a National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) exercise in Kansanga, Makindye Division.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the incident occurred at around 8am on Friday, June 13, in Ssebagala Zone, Kansanga, when four individuals were electrocuted while moving a tent intended for the registration exercise.
The deceased has been identified as Charles Nyanzi, 24, a resident of Simbwa Zone.
He and three others — Tanga Asuman (26), Twinomasiko Bilauso, and Ntambi Abraham — had reportedly been requested by a local leader to assist in transporting a tent from Seed School Kansanga to the nearby police post where the NIRA activity was to take place.
"While carrying the tent, its metallic frame came into contact with an overhead high-voltage power line, resulting in the electrocution of all four individuals," Owoyesigyire confirmed.
Nyanzi was pronounced dead on arrival at a nearby clinic, while the other three victims were rushed for emergency medical treatment and are currently receiving care.
Preliminary findings indicate that the tent belonged to the LC1 chairperson and was being assembled near a live power line.
Police say no arrests have been made so far, but investigations are underway to establish the exact circumstances and potential negligence.
“We urge members of the public to always exercise caution when handling metallic structures, especially around power lines,” Owoyesigyire warned.
In June last year, six people were killed while erecting a tent for a wedding ceremony venue in Butawata Village, Kigando Subcounty in Mubende District.
Michael Muwonge, who witnessed the tragic incident, said the deceased persons were lifting when a pipe accidentally swiped a live wire resulting their electric shocking.
The body of the deceased has been taken for postmortem examination as inquiries continue. Authorities have called on community leaders and organisers of public events to prioritise safety measures when setting up equipment near power sources.