Six People Electrocuted in Mubende Wedding Function, Groom Collapses

Police in Mubende are  investigating the death of six people, electrocuted while putting up tents at a wedding ceremony.

The incident happened on June 6, 2024, at around 09:00 AM at Butawata Market, Butawata “E” Village, Kigando Parish, Kigando Subcounty in Mubende District.

The deceased have been identified as: Asaba Godwin, 40, Bidewa; Byamukama Boaz, 51; Ayebazibwe Jordan, 22, businessman; Walusimbi George, 19; Kakuru Ambrose, 30; and Kyozzo Nasasira Innocent, 32, boda boda rider. All were residents of various villages within Kigando Parish, Kigando Subcounty, Mubende District.

According to preliminary findings, the six were hired by Otamugaya Nelson, the groom, to erect tents for his wedding function scheduled to take place at Butawata Market ground later that day.

Eye witnesses allege that the metallic edge of the tent they were erecting came into contact with electrical wires, leading to their electrocution by three-phase lines.

SP Racheal Kawala, the Wamala Regional Police spokesperson, stated the DPC Mubende and accompanied by officials from the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (UEDCL), visited the scene and case of Rush and Neglect Act causing death has been opened.

Kaala says investigations have commenced under the reference KSB CRB:160/2024.

The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital Mortuary for postmortem examinations.

According to Kawala, Otamugaya, the groom and a former teacher at Kigando SEED Secondary School, was rushed to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital for first aid after collapsing from shock. He is currently admitted.

Kawala noted that the area police had not been informed about the function and that there were illegal power connections in the area. She cautioned the public against illegal power connections, as they pose life-threatening risks.

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