Police in Kampala are probing an electrocution accident that claimed the life of one man and left three others injured while setting up for a National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) exercise in Kansanga, Makindye Division.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said the incident occurred around 8 a.m. on Friday, June 13, in Ssebagala Zone. The four victims were electrocuted while attempting to move a tent meant for the registration exercise.
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The deceased was identified as 24-year-old Charles Nyanzi, a resident of Simbwa Zone. He was helping, along with Tanga Asuman (26), Twinomasiko Bilauso, and Ntambi Abraham, after being requested by a local leader to transport a tent from Seed School Kansanga to a nearby police post where the NIRA activity was planned.
Owoyesigyire confirmed that the metal frame of the tent made contact with an overhead high-voltage power line, shocking all four individuals. Nyanzi died upon arrival at a nearby clinic, while the three survivors were rushed for emergency treatment and remain under medical care.
Initial investigations reveal that the tent, which belonged to the area LC1 chairperson, was being set up dangerously close to live power lines. While no arrests have been made, police say investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances and whether negligence played a role.
“We remind the public to exercise extreme caution when handling metallic structures near electricity lines,” said Owoyesigyire.
A similar tragedy occurred in June last year in Butawata Village, Mubende District, where six people died while putting up a wedding tent that struck a live power line.
Eyewitness Michael Muwonge recalled that the group was lifting a pipe when it accidentally brushed against the wire, causing fatal electrocution.
Authorities say Nyanzi’s body has been taken for a postmortem as inquiries continue. Police are urging local leaders and event organizers to prioritize safety when working near electrical infrastructure.
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