Scientists in Uganda have discovered that most cases of memory loss, brain damage and cardiac arrest in Uganda, East and central Africa and across Africa at large is caused by lightening strikes. Most cases of lightening in Africa are unprecedented, according to the commissioner for Meteorology Michael Nkalubo.

Nkalubo says that 10% of the lightning strikes in Uganda and across Africa result into death, while about 70% of lightening strikes lead to permanent injuries including cardiac arrest, brain damage and memory loss.

The commissioner advises that when there is a slight drizzle accompanied by strong winds one should run away and keep indoors or get into the cars in order to stay safe.

 Lightening episodes in Uganda are highest compared to other African countries over the years. Commissioner Nkalubo contributes the occurrence of lightening in Uganda to large amounts of iron in the soil.

“Most parts of Uganda like Buikwe, Tororo, Kiryandongo in Masindi and Entebbe sub district have got a lot of iron in the soil,” commissioner Nkalubo says.

Studies are going on in Uganda to establish other areas prone to lightening strikes. He further teaches Ugandans that lightening is caused when clouds are moving and at a certain point form opposite charges (positive and negative charges) which in turn form electric current accompanied by thunder. He says that the lethal lightening strikes are usually between the clouds and the soil. To stay away from lightening strikes, one must keep indoors and keep away from windows. Nkalubo says that it is dangerous to keep walking in the open when there is a slight drizzle accompanied by violent clouds. W

Walakira Nyanzi

Ends